Pamplona vs Eibar: a cup fairytale against Segunda experience
On November 3, Pamplona and Eibar will meet in the first round of the Copa del Rey. On paper, there is an obvious favorite, as the teams represent completely different levels of Spanish football. However, that is precisely what makes the Copa del Rey so fascinating: even clubs from the lower divisions get the chance to test themselves against more established opponents. For Pamplona, this is a historic occasion, while Eibar will be determined to avoid an unpleasant surprise.
For the hosts, the upcoming clash will be a genuine celebration. The team earned the right to compete in the tournament thanks to an excellent campaign last season, when it collected 74 points in the Tercera championship and finished among the best sides in its group. Moreover, Pamplona reached the promotion playoff final, although it ultimately failed to secure promotion to the Segunda RFEF.
This season, however, has been far less successful so far. At the time of writing, the team sit 15th with just seven points to their name. In the summer, Julen Labiano took charge, replacing Miguel Ángel Sierra.
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The new coach is trying to maintain continuity, as the squad has not undergone any major changes. Nevertheless, the results have given supporters plenty to worry about so far.
Labiano himself fully understands the difference in quality between the two sides. Pamplona are not planning to simply sit deep and defend; they intend to play their usual football, seeking to keep possession and apply pressure. But it will be important not to overdo it. Any turnover or misplaced pass against an opponent of this caliber could lead to serious trouble.
Eibar, meanwhile, arrive as representatives of the Segunda and a team with considerably greater resources. The Basque side have been competing at this level for several years and also have experience of playing in La Liga. This season, they sit third in Spain’s second tier. That said, their recent results have somewhat dampened the picture: heading into the cup tie, the team are winless in three consecutive rounds.
For head coach Jokin Aranbarri, this match will also be an opportunity to give minutes to players who have seen less action in the league. Eibar have a deeper squad, so some rotation is fully expected. But no one is taking the opposition lightly: cup exits at the hands of lower-division sides are remembered for a long time, and rarely for the right reasons.
It is also worth noting that the match will not be played at Pamplona’s usual stadium. Due to requirements for televised fixtures, the game has been moved to the municipal Valle de Aranguren Stadium in Mutilva. Local supporters have shown enormous interest, however: tickets for the match have sold out, with more than a thousand spectators expected in the stands.
As for the football itself, much will depend on how long Pamplona can maintain their concentration. The hosts will surely look to start aggressively, ride the emotional wave and make the favorites nervous. Eibar, however, do not necessarily need to charge forward from the opening whistle. The visitors can calmly control possession, stretch the opposition’s defensive shape and gradually seek out spaces.
In terms of scoring, I would not expect the Basques to take excessive risks. Even with rotation, the difference in individual quality should tell, but Pamplona will certainly do everything possible to ensure that this historic evening does not turn into an ordinary training session for their opponents.
Eibar look like clear favorites in this matchup. The hosts can make life difficult through their commitment and the support from the stands, but maintaining the Segunda side’s tempo throughout the match will be a difficult task.
My pick is over 2.5 total goals.
