After drawing with Huesca on the opening day, Villarreal were out to find form in La Liga after a summer of change. New coach Unai Emery is expected to press on to challenge for Champions League qualification this season, but Eibar came to town to provide a challenge in matchday two of La Ligas 2020/21 season.
Villarreal had to come from behind again to beat Eibar, this time going one further and securing all three points. Kike García gave Eibar the lead, only for Gerard Moreno to score one and assist another as Emery stuck to his guns.
This tactical analysis will consider how former Arsenal boss Emery used tactics to overcome Eibars José Luis Mendilibar in this La Liga clash. The analysis will look at how both coaches approached the tie.
Line-ups
Villarreal made just one change, with Mario Gaspar replacing the injured Rubén Peña, though new signing Pervis Estupiñán was on the bench and would come on to play the final half an hour of action. Fielding an asymmetrical 4-4-2, the shape of this midfield would be crucial.
Eibar also changed one player as Recio came into midfield as Mendilibar sacrificed Sergi Enrich from the attack, instead adding more midfield stability to do battle with the experienced duo in Villarreals midfield. Rafa Soares came into the team too, as Pedro Bigas moved central with Sergio Alvárez stepping forward as Pape Diop serves his suspension.
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