Eibar 2-0 Cordoba: Segunda División 2025-26 match report

Eibar secured a clinical 2-0 victory over Córdoba at the Estadio Municipal de Ipurua on Sunday, effectively dismantling the visitors’ defensive structure within the first quarter of an hour. Under the guidance of Benat San Jose, the home side utilized a disciplined 4-4-2 formation to exploit space early, leaving Córdoba’s 4-3-3 setup struggling to regain a foothold for the remainder of the afternoon.

The opening

The match was decided before it could settle into a rhythm. Eibar’s intent was clear from the opening whistle, as they pressed high and forced Córdoba into uncharacteristic errors in their own defensive third. The breakthrough arrived in the 4th minute when Juan Bernat provided a precise delivery for Javi Martón, who clinicaly converted to give the hosts an immediate advantage.

Rather than sitting back on the early lead, Eibar maintained their intensity, forcing Córdoba’s backline to scramble. The pressure yielded a second goal just twelve minutes later. Martón, proving to be the focal point of the attack, found the back of the net again in the 16th minute. The brace left Córdoba coach Ivan Ania visibly frustrated on the touchline, as his side’s defensive organization appeared fragile against Eibar’s direct approach. By the time the game reached the 20-minute mark, the visitors were forced to chase a two-goal deficit, a task that proved insurmountable against a well-drilled Eibar defensive unit.

The tactical shift

Recognizing the tactical imbalance, Ivan Ania attempted to rectify his side’s fortunes at the halftime interval. He introduced a triple substitution, bringing on Kevin Villodres, T. Zidane, and Álex Martín in place of Pedro Ortiz, Diego Bri, and Mikel Goti. The changes were designed to add width and fresh legs to a midfield that had been overrun during the first half.

While the adjustments did succeed in stabilizing Córdoba’s possession, they failed to produce the necessary cutting edge in the final third. Eibar, comfortable with their lead, managed the game with maturity. Benat San Jose utilized his bench effectively throughout the second half, introducing Malcom Adu, Aleix Garrido, Ander Madariaga, and Juan Bernat to maintain the team's defensive shape and disrupt Córdoba's attempts to build momentum.

As the match progressed, the physical nature of the contest increased, resulting in a flurry of yellow cards. Sergio Álvarez was cautioned for Eibar in the 58th minute, while Córdoba’s frustration manifested in bookings for Isma Ruiz and Pedro Ortiz in the latter stages. Despite a late push from the visitors, who brought on Fuentes and Sergi Guardiola in the 81st minute, Eibar’s backline remained resolute, ensuring that the two-goal cushion remained intact until the final whistle.

Looking ahead

The result serves as a significant boost for Eibar, who demonstrated both tactical discipline and offensive efficiency in front of their home supporters. For Córdoba, the defeat highlights a need for greater defensive consistency if they are to climb the Segunda División standings as the season progresses.