Eibar beat Athletic 1-0 in Ipurua to hand first loss

The derby at Ipurua was decided by fine margins. Eibar edged past Athletic 1-0, handing the visitors their first loss of the season on matchday four, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.

Set pieces decided it

The game didn’t have much rhythm and most danger came from set plays. Eibar repeatedly looked sharper with corners and dead-ball situations, while the Athletic struggled to turn intent into clear chances. Before half-time, Ortiz failed to find the net after another probing moment, and Simona had one effort that didn’t trouble the goalkeeper.

The header that made it 1-0

The decisive moment came after the break. Eibar finally got it right from a corner: Del Álamo rose strongly and headed the ball into the back of the net in the 57th minute. After that, Athletic pushed hard, but couldn’t force the equaliser.

Athletic later appealed for a penalty involving Maddi after contact in the area, a claim Mundo Deportivo says the referee didn’t uphold. Víctor Martín also made changes with around 20 minutes to go, introducing Oguiza, Ortega and Azkona.

With minutes ticking down, the hosts survived the pressure. Mundo Deportivo notes that Wellmann and the woodwork kept Athletic out, while late corners and follow-up chances didn’t translate into a goal.

No reward for the push

“I’m disappointed with what we saw”, said Valero after the match, capturing the mood after the setback. For Eibar, it was a statement win with celebration at full time.