Leioa claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over SD Eibar C in the Spanish Tercera División RFEF on 27 September 2026, using a strong first-half performance and a late defensive stand to secure all three points at home.
The Basque derby brought together a Leioa side pushing for a place in the promotion conversation and an Eibar C team eager to show the quality of its youth development. The home fans were rewarded with an energetic display and a result that could prove valuable in the race for the playoff places.
Match Overview
Leioa began on the front foot and needed only 12 minutes to open the scoring. Iker Bilbao latched onto a through ball, held off his marker and slotted a low finish into the far corner. The home side doubled their advantage in the 58th minute when Unai Arrieta converted a penalty after a foul inside the box. Eibar C refused to fold, and their persistence paid off in the 82nd minute through a well-taken goal from Aitor Zubiaurre, who curled a shot beyond the Leioa goalkeeper. The visitors pushed for an equaliser in the final minutes, but Leioa held firm.
Key Moments
- 12' – Leioa take the lead: Iker Bilbao finishes calmly after a quick break.
- 58' – Leioa double the advantage: Unai Arrieta scores from the spot.
- 82' – Eibar C pull one back: Aitor Zubiaurre curls a shot into the corner.
- 90+4' – Late block: A Leioa defender throws himself in front of a goal-bound effort.
Tactical Story
Leioa lined up with a 4-3-3 that looked to stretch Eibar C’s back line with wide runs and quick switches of play. The early goal gave them the confidence to sit a little deeper and invite pressure, then strike on the counter. Eibar C, fielding a young and technically gifted side, dominated possession for long spells, especially after half-time. Their midfield rotations created overloads on the flanks, but they struggled to break down a well-organised Leioa defence until the late goal. The penalty proved decisive, as it gave Leioa the cushion they needed to absorb Eibar C’s best spell of the match.
Standout Players
Bilbao’s movement and finishing made him a constant threat, while Arrieta showed composure from the penalty spot and linked play intelligently. For Eibar C, Zubiaurre was the brightest spark, driving forward from midfield and scoring a goal his performance deserved. Leioa’s goalkeeper made a crucial save in the 89th minute, and the centre-back partnership dealt with a barrage of crosses in the closing stages.
What the Result Means
The win lifts Leioa into a more promising position in the Tercera División RFEF table and strengthens their case as a side capable of challenging for promotion. For SD Eibar C, the defeat is a reminder of the fine margins in the division, but the performance of their young players offered plenty of encouragement. The result also adds another chapter to the growing rivalry between these two Basque clubs, with Leioa celebrating a valuable home victory.

