Stoppage time sees a superior Eibar lose 3-2

Eibar lost 3-2 against Espanyol, despite giving their all to take the three points. However, goals by their opponents in the 96th and 99th minutes prevented Los Armeros from taking the win.

Eibar’s ambitious, vertical and combinative style of play allowed them to dominate the first half, with a possession stat of close to 70 percent.

The opener could have come in the 26th minute via a low left-footed cross from Stoichkov or in the 34th minute via a header from Jon Bautista, which came within inches of going in.

The reward for the first-half superiority eventually arrived in the 39th minute when Jon Bautista received a pass from Mario Soriano, cut inside his marker and scored with a low effort that was just out of Pacheco’s reach.

In the second half, Espanyol tried to get back into the game, but they found themselves up against a hungry Eibar side who looked to extend their lead.

Stoichkov came close in the 63rd minute, only for his shot to come back off the post. Two minutes later, though, Peru Nolaskoain did find the net after unleashing a hard drive from just outside the area, one that flew into the net.

Eibar had the game under control and had the chance to extend their lead, but, against the run of play, the referee awarded Espanyol a penalty, which Braithwaite converted in the 77th minute.

From then until the 95th minute, Eibar were able to keep their opponents at bay without too much trouble. It seemed like they were heading for victory, but two goals in the 96th and 99th minutes left Los Armeros without the reward they deserved for their play and superiority.

It’s now time to recover ahead of next Sunday’s game at Butarque against league leaders Leganés.