Eibar's Inconsistency Continues as Zaragoza Finds a Spark in 2-1 Victory

Eibar's inability to convert dominance into points cost them dearly against Zaragoza, who snatched a crucial away victory. Despite leading in shots and possession, Eibar's defensive frailties and missed opportunities allowed Zaragoza to capitalize on their chances, marking a significant moment in both teams' seasons.

Eibar's recent form has been a rollercoaster, with four wins, five draws, and five losses in their last 14 matches. Their performance against Zaragoza mirrored this inconsistency; they dominated possession with 85% pass accuracy but failed to translate that into meaningful scoring opportunities. The home side recorded 11 total shots compared to Zaragoza's single attempt, yet they only managed to find the net once. This pattern of missed chances has plagued Eibar throughout the season, as evidenced by their average of 1.5 expected goals (xG) per game while converting less than 10% of those opportunities.

Zaragoza, languishing at the bottom of the table, showcased resilience and tactical discipline. Their recent victory over Huesca seemed to breathe new life into the squad, and they capitalized on Eibar's defensive lapses. The visitors executed a well-timed counterattack that culminated in a penalty kick converted by Soberón, which was pivotal in shifting the momentum of the match. Despite being reduced to ten men after Saidu's red card, Zaragoza maintained composure and struck again late through Moya, sealing the win.

The contrasting narratives of both teams were evident throughout the match. Eibar's midfield, led by Corpas, struggled to create clear-cut chances despite controlling the ball. Their inability to finish was highlighted by their lack of shots on target, with only five attempts compared to Zaragoza's one. This inefficiency has been a recurring theme for Eibar, who have often found themselves dominating possession yet failing to capitalize on it.

Zaragoza's tactical shift under pressure has been noteworthy. The team has shown improvement in their defensive organization, particularly in their last two matches. Against Huesca, they displayed a compact formation that allowed them to absorb pressure effectively. This approach paid dividends against Eibar, as they managed to frustrate the home side's attacking efforts while exploiting gaps on the counter.

Moya's late goal not only secured three points but also provided a much-needed boost for Zaragoza, who now have a glimmer of hope in their fight against relegation. This victory could serve as a turning point for the team, potentially igniting a resurgence as they prepare for their next match against Leganes.

Eibar's upcoming fixture against Racing Santander will be crucial for their aspirations of climbing the table. They must address their finishing woes and find a way to convert possession into goals if they hope to avoid further disappointment. The pressure is mounting on coach Beñat San José Gil to instill confidence and efficiency in his squad.

Zaragoza's victory serves as a reminder that even in dire circumstances, resilience and tactical discipline can yield positive results. With newfound momentum, they will look to build on this success and escape the relegation zone in the coming weeks.

The match encapsulated the ongoing struggles of both teams; Eibar's inability to finish and Zaragoza's determination to fight back from adversity. As the season progresses, both sides must adapt and evolve if they wish to achieve their respective goals.