Albacete 0-3 Eibar: Segunda División 2025-26 match report

Eibar secured a clinical 3-0 victory over Albacete at the Estadio Carlos Belmonte on Saturday, driven by a dominant individual performance from striker Jon Bautista. Benat San Jose’s tactical setup proved too difficult for the hosts to navigate, as Eibar’s 5-3-2 formation effectively neutralized Albacete’s 4-3-3 structure while providing the necessary width to exploit gaps in the final third.

The opening

The match was effectively decided within the first twelve minutes. Eibar entered the contest with a clear directive to press high and transition quickly, a strategy that yielded immediate rewards. In the 10th minute, Javi Martón provided the creative spark, setting up Jon Bautista for the opening goal. The defensive organization of Alberto Gonzalez’s Albacete side appeared unsettled by the early setback, and they were unable to regroup before the visitors struck again.

Just two minutes later, in the 12th minute, Eibar doubled their lead. José Corpas turned provider this time, finding Bautista once more. The striker’s ability to find space between the Albacete center-backs allowed him to convert his second goal in rapid succession, leaving the home side trailing 2-0 before they had managed to settle into a rhythm. While Albacete attempted to regain a foothold in the game, their frustration was evident as the first half progressed, culminating in a yellow card for J. Gómez in the 39th minute.

The decisive moment

Trailing by two goals at the interval, Alberto Gonzalez attempted to reshape his side with a double substitution at the start of the second half, introducing M. Fernández and J. Gómez. Despite the personnel changes, Albacete struggled to break down the disciplined Eibar defensive block. San Jose’s side maintained their structural integrity, managing the tempo of the game and waiting for opportunities to extend their lead on the counter-attack.

The contest was put beyond doubt in the 70th minute. Álvaro Rodríguez, who had been a constant threat in wide areas, delivered a precise ball to Bautista, who completed his hat-trick. The goal effectively ended any prospect of an Albacete comeback, as the hosts’ attacking efforts lacked the clinical edge required to challenge the Eibar backline.

Throughout the second half, both managers utilized their benches to manage player fatigue and tactical shape. Eibar’s substitutions were largely focused on preserving their lead and introducing fresh legs to maintain their defensive structure, while Albacete’s late changes, including the introduction of José Carlos Lazo and Capi, failed to produce a meaningful response. Even as the game became more fragmented toward the final whistle, Eibar remained composed, and the match concluded with a comfortable three-goal margin for the visitors.

Looking ahead

For Eibar, this emphatic result reinforces their standing in the Segunda División, demonstrating their ability to execute a game plan with ruthless efficiency away from home. Conversely, the defeat leaves Albacete with significant questions to address regarding their defensive vulnerability and their inability to respond when falling behind early in the match.