The 'Armeros' delivered a masterful performance, playing with the authority of teams that have found their rhythm at a crucial point in the season. The 0-3 scoreline in Albacete not only secured three valuable points but also emphatically reinforced their candidacy for the First Division promotion playoff. This was achieved with a devastating display, and one name stood out above all: Jon Bautista, whose hat-trick perfectly encapsulated the team's excellent form.
The match was effectively decided in just two minutes. Between the 10th and 12th minutes, Eibar transitioned from intelligent domination to surgical precision, punishing a weak Albacete defense that lacked attacking responses and was too fragile to maintain competitive intensity. Prior to this, the Manchego side had shown some early promise, with a corner in the 4th minute serving as a timid introduction. However, this proved to be a mere mirage. As soon as Eibar adjusted their press and found spaces, the game began to clearly tilt in their favor.
The first goal came in the 10th minute. Cubero advanced down the right flank and delivered a ball into the box, which Martón skillfully laid off for the arriving Bautista. The 'Armero' striker made no mistake, connecting with a low shot, perfectly placed by Lizoain's left post, leaving the local goalkeeper with no chance. This goal was a serious blow, but the second one completely exposed an Albacete side lacking conviction and balance. Just two minutes later, Corpas delivered a cross from the left, and Bautista reappeared, this time outjumping Vallejo to head the ball into the net for the 0-2.
Eibar had found their dream match. With a comfortable lead and their opponent reeling, they felt at home in their preferred scenario: an organized block, constant support, and quick transitions that hurt Alba whenever they tried to stretch the play. The feeling was that Beñat San José's team had control over both the pace and the emotional flow of the game. They even came close to extending their lead before halftime, when a cross from Bautista deflected off a defender and hit the post, narrowly missing a third goal that would have sealed the deal.
Meanwhile, Albacete presented a disjointed image. Lacking clarity with the ball and unable to challenge Eibar, they only found some respite through Obeng's persistence. It was the local striker who, around the half-hour mark, created the only truly threatening sequence for the Manchego team in the first half, with three consecutive shots, the last being an overhead kick after a corner that went wide. This was more a display of individual will than a collective reaction.
Seeking to alter the script, Alberto González made changes at halftime, bringing on Jefté and Álex Rubio. For a few minutes, Albacete gained some depth and had their best chance with a header from Jefté that hit the crossbar near the hour mark. This was the only moment when Eibar might have felt that the match demanded a renewed defensive effort. They remained solid at the back, and as Albacete's momentum faded, they once again found space to run and punish. Arambarri signaled discomfort before being substituted due to physical issues, indicating that a third goal was looming around the local team's box.
And it eventually arrived, once again bearing the signature of an unleashed Bautista. Álvaro Rodríguez, returning to his former home, delivered a cross of immense precision, and the 'Armero' striker subtly finished to beat Lizoain and cap off a perfect night. The 0-3 scoreline fairly reflected the difference between the two teams.
The hat-trick also carries added value. Bautista scored the same number of goals at Belmonte as he had previously managed in the league. Finally, in addition to the injured Peru Nolaskoain, Guruzeta, Marco Moreno, Toni Villa, and Juan Bernat, Aranbarri also joins the casualty list, with the extent of the injury that forced his withdrawal in the second half yet to be determined.
Another notable aspect was the debut of Oier Llorente, 'Korta', further illustrating the progression experienced by the academy players.
