Eibar vs Almeria on 25 January
On January 25th, 2026, Eibar will host Almería in a critical Segunda División clash at the Ipurua Municipal Stadium. The match is of paramount importance for both teams, with Eibar fighting for promotion back to La Liga and Almería looking to secure their safety in the league. The stakes are high, and the pressure will be palpable as these two teams, both rich in history, clash in this highly anticipated encounter. The weather forecast predicts mild conditions, with little to no impact expected on the match's flow, allowing both sides to focus solely on their tactical execution.
Eibar: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Eibar's campaign has been one of resilience and ambition. After being relegated from La Liga a few seasons ago, they have been determined to return to Spain's top tier. In their last five matches, they have secured three wins, one loss, and one draw. Their tactical approach is predominantly built around a high press and controlling possession in the opposition's half. Eibar’s manager, Gaizka Garitano, has established a 4-3-3 formation that relies heavily on compact defending, quick transitions, and exploiting the width of the pitch through the pace of their wingers. The team averages 58% possession and has generated 1.6 expected goals (xG) per match over the last five games, showcasing their attacking intent and ability to dominate possession.
Key to their style is their pressing system. With an average of 14.5 pressing actions per match in the final third, they push high up the field, disrupting opposing build-up play. Eibar also thrives on set pieces, registering 4.2 corners per match, and they are particularly dangerous with their aerial threat. Defensively, however, they have been slightly leaky, allowing 1.2 goals per game, a statistic they will need to tighten up to challenge for promotion.
In terms of key players, the focus will be on striker Stoichkov, who has been in scintillating form, scoring 8 goals in the last 10 matches. The Spanish forward's ability to stretch opposition defenses with his speed and dribbling makes him a constant threat. Midfielder José Ángel Esmorís Tasende "Angel" is another crucial figure, dictating the tempo and being involved in almost every attacking move. However, Eibar will miss the services of their central defender, Alberto Rodríguez, who is suspended, a blow that weakens their defensive solidity.
Almería: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Almería finds themselves in a position where points are absolutely vital, as they fight to avoid relegation. In their last five matches, they have recorded two wins, two losses, and one draw. Their tactical setup is more focused on defensive solidity and counter-attacking play. Head coach Rubi has favored a 4-4-2 formation, where the team defends deep and looks to hit teams on the break with fast, direct football. Almería averages just 47% possession in their games, with a tendency to sit deeper and invite pressure, relying on their quick transitions to catch the opposition off guard.
While their expected goals (xG) figure is lower than Eibar's at 1.2 per match, they remain a dangerous team on the break, especially when their wingers, such as José Corpas and Arnau Puigmal, find space to drive forward. They have been effective in transition, and their 3.5 key passes per match reflect their ability to create dangerous chances from limited possession. Almería’s biggest strength is in their defensive organization, where they have conceded 1.1 goals per match in recent fixtures, thanks to solid performances from veteran defenders such as Rodrigo Ely and Chumi.
One of the most critical players for Almería is striker Umar Sadiq, who has been pivotal in their attacking play, contributing directly to 6 goals in the last 5 matches. His ability to hold the ball up and link play allows Almería to transition quickly into offensive positions. However, the team will miss midfielder Léo Baptistão, who is sidelined with injury. Baptistão’s creativity and vision in the final third have been crucial to their counter-attacking style.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In the last five encounters between Eibar and Almería, the fixture has been tightly contested. Eibar has won 2 of the last 5 meetings, while Almería has secured 1 victory, with the remaining 2 matches ending in draws. The most recent encounter between the two sides earlier in the season finished 1-1, with Eibar's attacking dominance being neutralized by Almería's disciplined defense and effective counter-attacks. Historically, games between these two teams have often been low-scoring, with just 2.2 goals per match on average across their last five encounters.
This trend suggests that tactical discipline will play a significant role in determining the outcome. Eibar’s pressing game could overwhelm Almería if they manage to break through their defense early, but if Almería can weather the storm and utilize their counter-attacks, they could frustrate their opponents and exploit any gaps left by Eibar's attacking mindset.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The most decisive battle in this match will occur in the wide areas, particularly between Eibar's wingers and Almería's full-backs. Eibar’s attacking play revolves around the pace of their wingers, with players like Stoichkov and Jordi Calavera providing width and stretching the defense. Almería’s full-backs, especially Fran Villalba and Sergio Akieme, will need to be at their defensive best to prevent the ball from being whipped into dangerous areas. The ability of Almería's full-backs to track back and prevent crosses will be crucial in neutralizing Eibar’s attacking threat.
Another key duel will be in the center of the park, where Eibar’s Ángel will be tasked with dictating play and breaking down Almería’s defensive block. Almería’s midfield, led by the experienced Perea, will need to disrupt Ángel’s influence, forcing him to play under pressure and denying him the time to pick out runners. The midfield battle will be central to both teams' hopes, as whichever side gains control here will have the ability to dictate the tempo and transition effectively.
Match Scenario and Prediction
Given the contrasting tactical approaches of the two teams, we can expect a game where Eibar dominates possession and applies heavy pressure in the final third. Almería, on the other hand, will likely play with a deep block, looking to break quickly whenever they regain possession. The pace of the game will likely be dictated by Eibar’s ability to break down Almería’s defense early on, and if they succeed, the floodgates could open.
For Almería, the key to success lies in frustrating Eibar’s attacking rhythm, capitalizing on set-pieces, and exploiting the gaps that emerge in transition. If they can hold firm defensively and strike on the counter, they could snatch an unlikely victory. However, Eibar’s superior attacking quality, especially with Stoichkov in form, should ultimately give them the edge.
Prediction: Eibar 2-1 Almería. Eibar’s attacking depth and tactical approach should see them edge a tight contest, but Almería’s resilience will ensure that it’s a battle until the final whistle.
Final Thoughts
The outcome of this match will hinge on whether Eibar can break down Almería’s defensive setup early, or whether Almería’s counter-attacks will prove effective enough to snatch a result. Both teams will enter the match with something to prove, but the contest will likely be decided by whichever team can impose their style and keep the other under control. The question remains: Can Eibar’s attacking power break through Almería’s defensive organization, or will Almería’s resilience on the counter prove to be the difference?
