Eibar’s squad advanced another step in the race for direct promotion after securing a 2-0 victory over Villarreal B in Ipurúa. The win keeps the Basque club firmly in the hunt, with the result placing them in second position as the season moves toward its final stretch and rivals continue to press from behind. The match unfolded as a tactical grind, with both sides showing clear intent, yet it was the hosts who managed to impose their game plan over the opening 45 minutes and into the latter stages.
The game’s tempo favored Eibar from the outset. Early pressure yielded a meaningful breakthrough when Yanis Rahmani found the net midway through the first half, driving a composed finish from inside the box after a well-worked move on the flank. Rahmani’s goal not only opened the scoring but also set the tone for an Eibar side that sought control through sustained pressure and disciplined defending. The home side created several chances on the counter and with patient buildup, but Villarreal B stubbornly resisted, keeping the scoreline within reach as the interval approached.
As the teams returned to the pitch after halftime, the visitors mounted efforts to level the score, yet the Eibar defense held firm. The contests for space and momentum were tightly contested, with the Basque club maintaining structure at the back and looking to exploit quick transitions when opportunities arose. AEG Aketxe, a trusted figure in front of goal, finally sealed the win late in the match, converting a penalty in the 84th minute after a foul in the box. The successful spot kick ensured that the three points stayed home, reinforcing Eibar’s second-place standing and keeping them in the direct-promotion conversation as the campaign drew to a close.
With 53 points on the board, Eibar solidified a position that places them within striking distance of the automatic promotion spots. The victory also highlighted the club’s resilience, as the team demonstrated the ability to close out games with a calm, methodical approach when the moment demanded it. The result, earned against a Villarreal B side that has shown throughout the season that it can compete with stronger opposition, underscored Eibar’s consistency and readiness for the demanding schedule that lies ahead.
Villarreal B remains in the mid-table cluster, carrying 37 points but facing an uphill battle to climb into the promotion conversations in the remaining fixtures. The outcome did not reflect a lack of effort from the visitors; rather, it emphasized the fine margins that define the ascent toward higher regional stakes. Both teams now look ahead, recalibrating for the next test in a campaign that has proven to be tightly packed with competitive fixtures and tight results across the division.
Viewers could catch the game through streaming options available at the start of the season, with subscriptions offering access to the La Liga schedule for the campaign in progress. This match added another chapter to a season full of tightly contested battles as teams vie for a coveted promotion path, underscoring the importance of every point earned on the way to the finish line.
The recap of Eibar vs. Villarreal B of the 2022-2023 Second Division: video, goals and statistics
Minute 84 — Eibar 2, Villarreal B 0. Ager Aketxe delivers a left-footed strike from the center of the box to the right of the goal. The goal comes after a header from a set-piece situation, sent into the mix by Peru Nolaskoain and directed into the net with precision by Aketxe.
Minute 31 — Eibar 1, Villarreal B 0. Yanis Rahmani finishes with the right foot from inside the box after a corner kick, sending the ball to the far corner and giving the home side the lead they would defend with grit.
Both teams showed moments of quality and cohesion, with Eibar’s defensive organization and Rahmani’s attacking instincts providing the decisive edges. The match served as a clear example of how a disciplined approach in the late stages of a contest can translate into a crucial win, especially when the home side controls the tempo and leverages set-piece opportunities to extend its advantage. The result is a reminder of the relentless push needed across a dense schedule to secure promotion in a highly competitive league environment.
Overall, the encounter reinforced Eibar’s status as a strong contender in the second division and highlighted the ongoing tactical battle that characterizes this season’s championship race. The team’s ability to convert late chances into goals is a sign of maturity and focus, two traits that will be essential as they navigate the final rounds of the campaign.