UD Ibiza recorded their first defeat of their debut season in the second division yesterday, against an Eibar side who managed to come from behind after an early Herrera goal to end up winning 3-1 in the match at the Ipurua stadium. Juan Carlos Carcedo’s men went from strength to strength in a very even encounter which was decided in the closing stages of a compelling clash between two of the sides making the best start to the season. The newly promoted team finally went down in the eighth day of competition.
Just before the three-minute mark, Ekain had beaten Armeros’ defence and his cross into the box cleared the back of his own net, forcing Cantero into action to prevent a 1-0 scoreline.
In the sixth minute, the referee disallowed a goal from Sergio Castel for offside after an exquisite pass from Bogusz into clear space. The Celestes’ attack was putting Eibar’s game under pressure, and the chances came and went as if the Celestes were playing at home.
Garitano’s side began to take control of the ball and, following a mistake in the Ibizan rearguard, Edu Expósito found the top corner with a shot from the edge of the box which flew just wide. The match was evenly balanced after the first 15 minutes. UD Ibiza responded with a steal by Cifu, Ekain filtered the pass into the box but Herrera was late and his shot was blocked by the centre-back Venancio.
Both teams played flowing, technically sound football, and the attacking players’ movement made for lively, dynamic football that was attractive for the spectators.
A dangerous pass to the far post by Corpas evened up the tension between the two teams, both as competitive as they were solid, but Ibiza’s passing looked more threatening. One such move resulted in 0-1 (min. 27). Bogusz sent another probing pass for Castel into the right corner of the box; his shot was deflected off a defender and Herrera appeared at the far post to drive the ball home. Another blistering Celeste strike in one of the division’s toughest stadiums. Carcedo’s men went one better and Ekain, with a back-heel, had the chance to increase the deficit at the half hour point after a low cross from the right wing by Pape Diop, who was in the starting line-up for the first time against his former team.
For the full report on the match, please visit Diario de Ibiza website here.