Eibar vs Athletic Bilbao
Copa del Rey
Third Round
Sunday
7th January 2024
Estadio Municipal de Ipura
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Copa del Rey Third Round fixture between Eibar and Athletic Bilbao.
Eibar vs Athletic Bilbao: Preview
Eibar form analysis
Armagiñak have had mixed fortunes recently, both in league and cup competitions. They started this run of games with a narrow 1-0 away loss to Villarreal’s B team in the Segunda Division on December 5th, with Álex Forés netting an injury-time winner for Villarreal II after Eibar’s Juan Berrocal was sent off in the 41st minute. Eibar then drew 1-1 away to UD Melilla in the Copa del Rey on December 8th; Melilla took the lead through José Enrique in the 22nd minute before Quique González equalized from the penalty spot for Eibar in the 54th minute.
Eibar then played out an entertaining 2-2 home draw against FC Andorra in the league on December 10th, twice coming from behind through goals from Stoichkov and Sergi Samper’s own goal after initially going behind early on to a 5th minute Iker Benito goal. Most recently, Eibar suffered consecutive 1-0 losses away to Alcorcon on December 17th and at home against Sporting Gijon on December 21st. Overall, Eibar’s form has dipped after previously going on a good run. They have now lost three of their last five matches in all competitions. Shoring up at the back and being more clinical in attack could help them get back to winning ways.
Athletic Bilbao form analysis
Athletic Bilbao have hit a strong run of form recently across both La Liga and the Copa del Rey. They started this stretch with a comfortable 3-0 away win over Cayón in the Copa on December 8th thanks to a brace from Asier Villalibre and a late Nico Williams goal. Athletic then grinded out a 1-1 away draw against Granada in La Liga on December 12th; Iñaki Williams had put Athletic ahead early on before a 55th minute own goal from Ruíz de Galarreta saw Granada equalize. Bilbao followed that up with an impressive 2-0 home win over Atlético Madrid in La Liga on December 16th courtesy of second half goals from Gorka Guruzeta and Nico Williams.
Athletic then edged past Las Palmas 1-0 at home on December 21st thanks to a last minute Unai Gómez winner. Most recently, Athletic continued their stellar form with a 2-0 away win over Sevilla on January 4th with goals from Mikel Vesga and Aitor Paredes. With four wins and a draw from their last five games across competitions, Athletic Bilbao are undoubtedly in red hot form right now. Sustaining this run could see them break into the European places in the league table.
