Eibar secured a hard-fought 0-1 away win against FC Andorra on Sunday, August 30, a result that boosts their early season standing. Aleix Garrido, with a goal early in the second half, was the match-winner in the game played at the Nou Estadi de la FAF in front of 2,720 fans, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
Carles Manso's Andorra side controlled possession from the start and had a clear chance through Akman before the first minute was up. But Eibar, coming into the match with a win and a loss from their first two games, showed their typical efficiency. Right after the restart, Iván Gil found Aleix Garrido with a quick move. "Aleix Garrido aprovechó para batir a Pau López y colocar el 0-1," the outlet described. This 47th-minute goal shifted the momentum of the match.
How did Eibar manage the red card?
Eibar's task became much harder just nine minutes after the goal. In the 56th minute, Magunazelaia received a straight red card from referee Alejandro Ojaos from the Murcian committee, leaving his team with ten men. Andorra, already on the front foot, had a numerical advantage for over half an hour to try and equalize.
Goalkeeper Magunagoitia and the Eibar defense had to work overtime. Randy Schneider tried a long-range effort and Solozábal missed one of the home side's best chances by shooting high. Eibar retreated in an organized manner, making tactical changes like bringing on Cubero for Iván Gil and Lucas Núñez for Guruzeta in the 60th minute to bolster the midfield. Their resilience was key to preserving the lead.
What happened with Andorra's disallowed goal?
The biggest scare for Eibar came in the dying minutes. Akman, who had been dangerous early on, fired a powerful shot from the edge of the area. "Akman cazó un balón en la frontal y lo mandó a la escuadra," the report stated. The ball hit the net and seemed to be the equalizer, but VAR technology intervened.
After a review, the referee disallowed the goal for an offside by Golubovic at the start of the move. This decision confirmed Eibar's victory and handed Andorra their second consecutive defeat, solidifying Eibar's status as a bogey team for the principality side.
What does this win mean for Eibar's season?
The three points are very valuable for Eibar, who before the match were 17th in the Segunda División with 3 points. This victory, their second of the campaign, improves their goal difference (2 scored, 3 conceded) and helps them climb closer to the top spots, though they remain 4 points behind leaders Leganés. You can follow their progress on our standings page.
The team showed great mental strength to win away and hold on with a man down. This character will be essential for their next fixture, a home match against Granada CF, who currently sit in 8th place. This clash is scheduled for September 6th and is listed on our fixtures calendar.
Who were the key figures in the match?
Aleix Garrido, the goalscorer, and Iván Gil, who provided the assist, were the offensive architects of the win. In defense, goalkeeper Magunagoitia's work was vital to keep a clean sheet, especially after the red card. For the opposition, Pau López could do nothing about Garrido's strike, and players like Akman came close to changing the outcome.
Eibar's manager now has a week to prepare for the Granada game and likely adjust the lineup, particularly in the position left vacant by the suspended Magunazelaia. The squad, which you can review in detail on our squad page, will need to demonstrate their adaptability once again to keep adding points at Ipurua.
