Levante Las Planas (w) vs Eibar (w) on 31 January
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter in the Women’s Primera División as Levante Las Planas (W) take on Eibar (W) on January 31st. With both teams fighting for vital points, this match is bound to showcase fierce competition, tactical intensity, and high stakes. Levante Las Planas, sitting in the mid-table, are eyeing a top-half finish, while Eibar, struggling near the relegation zone, are desperate for a win to ensure their survival in Spain's top tier. At the Municipal de la Virgen del Camino, the pressure will be immense, but so will the passion for three points.
Levante Las Planas (W): Tactical Approach and Current Form
Levante Las Planas come into this match having secured two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five matches. Their tactical approach revolves around a compact 4-4-2 formation, with an emphasis on defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks. They average 50.6% possession but rely on sharp transitions and vertical passes to exploit the spaces left by the opposition. This quick movement and ball circulation in the final third are critical to their success, as they frequently look to release their wingers, particularly on the right flank, where they are most dangerous.
One key stat for Levante Las Planas is their xG of 1.3 per game, suggesting they create decent chances, but they can sometimes be wasteful in front of goal. Their defensive actions are strong, with an average of 14.5 tackles per game and a solid 72% tackle success rate, which indicates a team that presses well when out of possession. In their midfield, the engine of their play is Lucía Gómez, who excels at breaking up opposition attacks and quickly transitioning the play forward. However, with injuries to key defender Vanessa Gutiérrez and midfielder Raquel Fernández, their depth will be tested.
Eibar (W): Tactical Approach and Current Form
Eibar, on the other hand, are struggling for form, having won just one of their last five matches. They often line up in a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on possession and build-up play from the back. However, their ability to break down opposition defenses has been inconsistent, as evidenced by their low xG of 0.9 per game. They tend to control 55.3% of the possession, but they lack the cutting edge in the final third. Their passing accuracy is solid at 79%, but they often fail to find the decisive final ball.
Eibar’s defensive structure has been a weak point throughout the season. Despite averaging 13.2 interceptions per match, they have conceded 1.9 goals per game, which suggests a vulnerability in dealing with quick counters and aerial duels. Central defender Giselle Rodríguez is vital to their defensive stability, but she will need greater support from full-backs Andrea Ruiz and Maria José Pérez to withstand Levante’s attacking pressure. Eibar’s best chance of finding a breakthrough will likely lie through their forward, Lucía García, who has shown flashes of brilliance but has often been isolated due to a lack of service.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
The recent head-to-head record between these two teams heavily favors Levante Las Planas, who have won three of the last five encounters, with one draw and one loss. In the most recent meeting, Levante Las Planas triumphed 2-1, dominating possession with 57% and registering an impressive 14 shots. The psychological edge is undoubtedly with Levante, as they are the more balanced side and will have the confidence of knowing they can exploit Eibar’s defensive lapses.
In these recent clashes, Eibar has struggled to maintain defensive discipline, particularly against teams that transition quickly. Levante’s ability to win the ball high up the pitch and transition quickly has been a consistent issue for Eibar’s defensive setup. This trend will play into Levante's hands once more, as they know how to exploit these defensive gaps.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The key battles in this match will center around Levante’s wingers against Eibar’s full-backs, particularly on the right side of the pitch. Levante’s Claudia Pina, a quick and skilful winger, will likely face off against Eibar’s Maria José Pérez. Pina’s ability to cut inside and create opportunities will test Pérez’s defensive discipline. Eibar’s full-backs must be aware of the space in behind, especially as Levante likes to hit them on the counter.
Another key battle will be in midfield, where Levante’s Lucía Gómez will try to dictate the tempo of the game against Eibar’s Marta Cardona. Both players are known for their ball-winning abilities and quick transitions, but Gómez’s intelligence and ability to link up play from deeper positions may give Levante the upper hand. Eibar’s lack of creativity in midfield has been a constant issue, and if Levante can dominate this area, they could control the match.
Match Scenario and Prediction
The most likely scenario for this match is Levante Las Planas controlling possession in the early stages, with Eibar attempting to break through their defense using quick, long passes aimed at their forwards. However, Levante’s ability to press and quickly regain possession when they lose it will likely stifle Eibar’s attempts at building sustained attacks. Eibar will try to exploit their slightly superior possession numbers, but their struggles in creating high-quality chances will be their undoing.
With Levante Las Planas’ solid defensive setup and pacey counter-attacking threat, they are well-positioned to dominate the game. A scoreline of 2-0 in their favor seems most probable, with Levante’s wingers getting the better of Eibar’s defense. Their set-pieces could also be a decisive factor, as Eibar struggles with aerial duels, and Levante’s height advantage in attack will be key to scoring goals from crosses or set-piece situations.
Final Thoughts
The key factors in this match will be Levante Las Planas' ability to break down Eibar’s defensive setup and exploit their weaknesses on the counter. The defensive solidity and tactical discipline of Levante will likely overshadow Eibar’s struggles in the final third, as they have often lacked the cutting edge to finish chances. The result will hinge on how well Eibar can cope with Levante’s quick transitions and the individual battles on the wings and in midfield. Can Eibar’s attacking force finally deliver, or will Levante extend their dominance and secure another crucial victory?
