Eibar continues to strengthen its playoff bid during one of the sweetest moments of the season. With eight matchdays remaining, the team led by Beñat San José has entered the promotion race after a strong resurgence in 2026, as reflected this Thursday by Peru Nolaskoain in his appearance in Areitio, ahead of Monday's clash at Zorrilla against Real Valladolid.
The Armero player, converted from pivot to center-back this season, highlighted the team's journey over recent months. «I think we have to be aware of where we come from, that four months ago we seemed like the worst in the world. Now we have taken steps and those steps have brought results,» he explained, emphasizing the importance of internal self-criticism and adjustments made during difficult periods of the season.
“"I am excited. There are eight games left, which they say is a lot, but this flies by. On Monday we have the first one and we have to take things calmly."
Eibar's change of direction has been evident. From being in the lower half of the table after an inconsistent first half of the season, the team has become the most in-form in the category in 2026. The numbers speak for themselves: ten victories in the last fifteen matches, only two defeats —both by the narrowest margin and away from home—, and a dynamic that has led them to eighth position with 54 points, just three points from the playoff.
For Nolaskoain, one of the keys has been the collective evolution of the team. «We have improved many aspects, we have corrected things that could not be allowed in this category and I think we have succeeded. But there is nothing to change now, on the contrary, we have to push a little more because those at the top rarely fail,» he noted. The center-back made it clear that the locker room is aware of the demands of the final stretch: «It's a beautiful battle and I think we are ready.»
One of the pillars of this transformation has been defensive solidity. Eibar is one of the teams that has conceded the fewest goals in recent months and has built its growth on reliability at the back. However, Nolaskoain also highlighted the step forward in attack. «In this category, it is key not to concede goals, but you also need players who make a difference up front. What Bautista or Martón are doing is very important. We are being a very complete team and that is the key to the change,» he analyzed.
On a personal level, the player expressed satisfaction with his performance in a position that was not his usual one, although he insisted on maintaining high standards. «I'm happy, but there's nothing to celebrate. There are eight games left and I can't relax. I know that has sometimes been my deficit. I have to continue the same, training to the maximum and competing with the same intensity,» he affirmed.
The next challenge will be demanding. Eibar will visit Zorrilla to face a needy Real Valladolid, which is fighting for permanence. Nolaskoain warned of the difficulty of the match despite the difference in the standings. «It's a very complicated field, I have never won there. There will be a demanding atmosphere and we will have to know how to play with everything: when to stop the game, when to speed it up. This category asks you to understand every moment,» he explained. In that sense, he highlighted the maturity acquired by the team: «We are a more experienced team, which knows how to adapt better to matches.»
