The atmosphere at Ipurua was somber once again as Eibar slumped to their second consecutive home defeat, this time succumbing to a steadfast Zaragoza side. The loss, following a previous setback against a resurgent Zaragoza, highlights a growing concern for manager Rubén Sellés: the team’s alarming vulnerability from set-piece situations.

Sellés, aware of the unpredictable nature of a Zaragoza squad bolstered by six winter market additions – three of whom arrived on the final day of business – and grappling with eight important player absences, opted for a bold starting XI. He unleashed a lineup featuring several debutants, including El Yamiq, Juan Larios, Mwauli Mensah, and Cumic, alongside the already-introduced Rober González. The aim was clear: to disrupt Zaragoza’s rhythm and surprise the visitors.

Eighth corner Goal Concedes: A Recurring Nightmare

Despite generating the game’s first significant chance through Adu Ares, whose header was expertly parried by the Zaragoza goalkeeper, Eibar found themselves undone by a familiar foe: set pieces. Zaragoza, who had previously only managed one goal from corners, exploited Eibar’s weakness with ruthless efficiency. The opening goal arrived from the first corner Nolaskoain was forced to concede, a defensive lapse that allowed Cumic to capitalize on a loose ball gifted by Olaetxea.

It’s a scenario that has become all too common for Eibar. One might expect a team playing at home, under the watchful eyes of their supporters, to have mastered the art of defending corner kicks. However, the reality proved starkly different. Newcomer El Yamiq,making his debut for the club where he previously spent six years in the Second Division,immediately justified his signing.He rose highest to meet the corner, delivering a powerful header past Jonmi that even the goalkeeper had little chance of stopping.

This eighth goal conceded from a corner kick added to the mounting pressure. Eibar’s record in previous games where they conceded first from a corner was grim, having dropped points in seven out of ten such instances. While the team showed a flicker of resilience before halftime, with Madariaga attempting a cross into the box, the delay proved costly.

The second half began with a scare for Eibar. An uncharacteristic slip from Cubero presented Zaragoza with a dangerous double chance. Fortune, though, seemed to be on Eibar’s side as Cuenca’s shot struck the post, and Francho’s follow-up sailed over the crossbar. But the real turning point, and perhaps a moment of significant luck for Eibar, came shortly after when El Yamiq found the net again.

This recurring issue with set-piece defending is not unique to Eibar. Many teams in top leagues, from the Premier League to MLS, have struggled with similar vulnerabilities. For instance, consider how teams like the Seattle Sounders have historically emphasized aerial prowess and zonal marking to combat set-piece threats. Eibar’s current predicament suggests a need for a more robust and adaptable defensive strategy, perhaps incorporating elements of both man-marking and zonal coverage, or even investing in specialized training to improve aerial duels.

The question for Eibar now is how quickly they can address these defensive frailties. The upcoming fixtures will undoubtedly test their resolve, and a consistent inability to defend set