Set pieces and the power of Aduriz leave a brave Eibar without any reward in San Mamés

Eibar failed to chalk up a fifth consecutive victory and were defeated 5-2 in the always difficult San Mamés stadium in a match where Athletic were superior, though the Gunsmiths did not deserve such a harsh punishment.

The game could not have started better for Mendilibar’s team. In the 4th minute, Keko played a great pass to Capa, who took the ball forward at speed and crossed into the area, where Sergi Enrich let the ball go so that it reached the unmarked Borja Bastón, who beat Herrerín with a low shot into the corner of the net.

Eibar played good football and dominated their opponents, who were beginning to show signs of doubt until Aritz Aduriz came to their rescue with a spectacular volleyed goal after 13 minutes. It was a period during which the Eibar defence was weakened by the injury to Iván Ramis, who suffered hamstring problems, and after the goal he was replaced by Pantic.

Scarcely nine minutes had passed when Saúl Berjón, alone in front of Herrerín, had the chance to make it 1-2, but his shot hit the crossbar.

Athletic, meanwhile, did not waste their opportunities, and in minute 27 Sabin Merino back-headed a corner from Beñat which went directly into the net. Before the break the team in red and white increased their lead again from another set piece. Beñat took a free kick and Laporte, barely challenged, headed home.

Eibar remained undaunted after the half-time break and quickly had their reward in the 49th minute. An incisive Keko Gontán was brought down by Aymeric Laporte and the resulting penalty was converted in great style by Borja Bastón, who scored his fourteenth goal in the league.

Less than three minutes had passed when Aduriz struck again with a fine left-footed volley to make it 4-2.

Eibar did not give up but were unable to gain control of the match, which was gradually losing intensity.

The 5-2, which was an excessive punishment for Eibar, came in minute 80 when Mauro Dos Santos scored an own goal in his attempt to clear a cross from Lekue aimed at Aduriz.

Keko could have reduced the gap with a chip in the last minute but Eibar were not to get anything else out of the game. The numerous Gunsmith fans returned to Eibar empty-handed but with the satisfaction of having seen a great game, with seven goals, in which their team had had their chances and did not give up at any time.