Eibar — Granada : Match Preview and Prediction for August 22,2025

Eibar’s Home Fortress and Strong Start

Ipurua isn’t just a stadium; it’s a true stronghold for Eibar, and coach Benat San Jose explicitly states that playing in front of their home supporters means everything to his footballers. The season’s opening away match against Malaga (1-1) left a profoundly positive impression. The “Gunsmiths” showcased their signature style: high pressing, intense play, and formidable power in duels.

Tactical Prowess and New Talent Integration

They took the lead through a goal from newcomer Javi Marton, who scored following a set-piece routine. They conceded only due to a solitary error during defensive build-up, not under sustained opponent pressure. This indicates a well-structured game plan, rather than a coincidental result. New players are integrating seamlessly into the squad, with the latest acquisition being winger Adu Ares – a player boasting excellent dribbling, speed, and a keen eye for goal.

Squad Cohesion and Readiness

The team appears cohesive, with new signings like Marton himself and Aleix Garrido, who provided an assist in the first round, already contributing effectively. Considering that only Bautista and Jair remain in the infirmary, and Laider Olaetxea has already rejoined the main group, Eibar fields a robust and competitive squad. They are fully prepared to deliver their first home battle on their familiar turf.

Granada’s Troubled Season Start

In stark contrast, Granada’s situation is diametrically opposite. The start of their season was marked by a disheartening home defeat to Deportivo with a score of 1-3. The concern isn’t solely about the numbers on the scoreboard, but rather the quality of play, which Spanish press widely described as “very poor” and “negative.” Coach Pacheta’s team appeared disorganized, especially in defense.

Off-Field Instability and Transfer Woes

Adding to their on-field woes is complete chaos off the pitch. The club cannot register all its new signings due to financial fair play limits, and currently, there’s a fire sale of key players to free up salary space. Striker Lucas Boye is already on the verge of joining Alaves. This pervasive uncertainty is severely impacting the team’s morale and performance.

Defensive Crisis and Historical Struggles

The primary blow to their defense is the suspension of central defender Manu Lama, who received a red card in the first round. Given that another central defender, Insua, is injured, Pacheta is left with virtually no options in the heart of the defense. Historically, Granada has endured significant struggles in Eibar: across seven visits to Ipurua, they have not secured a single victory, managing only two draws. This “curse” compounds their current on-field and personnel problems.