Leganes 0-1 Eibar: Segunda División 2025-26 match report

Eibar secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Leganés at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque on Monday night, capitalising on a first-half defensive error to claim all three points in this Segunda División encounter. In a match defined by tactical rigidity and a lack of clinical finishing, the visitors managed to protect their slender lead despite sustained pressure from Igor Oca’s side during the final half-hour.

The opening

Igor Oca set Leganés up in a 4-3-3 formation, looking to dictate the tempo through midfield control. Conversely, Benat San José opted for a 4-2-3-1 setup for Eibar, prioritising a compact defensive block and quick transitions. The opening twenty minutes were characterized by a cautious approach from both sides, with neither goalkeeper forced into significant action as both teams struggled to find rhythm in the final third.

The decisive moment of the match arrived in the 28th minute. A lapse in concentration within the Leganés backline resulted in an own goal by Diego García, which broke the deadlock against the run of play. The goal forced Leganés to shift their approach, as they were suddenly tasked with breaking down a disciplined Eibar side that seemed content to sit deep and absorb pressure for the remainder of the half.

The decisive moment

The second half saw Leganés increase their intensity as Oca looked to his bench to inject creativity into the attack. A double substitution in the 65th minute, introducing Naim García and Diego García, signaled a more aggressive intent. However, the match became increasingly fragmented as the physical nature of the contest intensified. Refereeing decisions began to play a larger role, with A. Diawara receiving a caution in the 66th minute, followed shortly by a yellow card for S. Figueredo in the 70th minute.

Eibar responded to the mounting pressure by refreshing their own ranks. Benat San José introduced Jon Guruzeta and Javi Martón in the 69th minute, aiming to preserve the lead while maintaining a threat on the counter-attack. Despite Leganés making further tactical adjustments—bringing on S. Cissé and Juan Cruz in the 73rd minute—the hosts struggled to carve out clear-cut opportunities. The Eibar defensive structure remained resolute, effectively limiting Leganés to long-range efforts and speculative crosses that failed to trouble the visitors’ goalkeeper.

As the clock ticked toward full-time, the frustration for the home side became evident. A late yellow card for Dani Rodríguez in stoppage time summarized a disjointed second half for Leganés, who were unable to convert their possession into a meaningful response to the early setback. Eibar’s ability to manage the game’s tempo in the closing stages proved essential in securing the clean sheet and the win.

Looking ahead

The result leaves Leganés searching for consistency as they look to climb the Segunda División table, with their inability to recover from the early own goal highlighting a need for greater composure in front of goal. For Eibar, the victory provides a significant boost, demonstrating their capacity to secure results on the road through disciplined defensive organisation and tactical discipline.