The second half from Málaga was a whirlwind at Ipurua. José’s side, lacking bite at the back, couldn’t prevent Málaga from overturning the 2-1 lead they held at halftime. Sergio Álvarez and Corpas scored for Eibar.
**Magunagoitia:** Always stepping up when the team needs him most. After the break, he made a crucial save to deny Málaga an equalizer. Earlier in the first half, he didn’t guess right on Chupe’s penalty. He was helpless against the last two goals from the visitors.
**Arbilla:** The captain continues to enjoy a second wind. He ran himself empty physically, and Eibar held on as long as his energy lasted. The final goal came down his flank. He could have scored a third, but his effort sailed over the bar.
**Jair:** Well-positioned throughout the match until Málaga’s third goal, when he hesitated to commit his foot against Darko.
**Arambarri:** His first start at Ipurua since Nolaskoain’s injury. He performed well in the first half but left Niño unmarked, leading to Málaga’s second goal. Darko got past him too easily for Málaga’s third.
**Cubero:** Not as bright as other days, playing deeper than usual. After Adu Ares’ substitution in the second half, he pushed forward, and that cost Eibar the third goal.
**Sergio Álvarez:** Equalized by pouncing on a loose ball in the Málaga area. Tried to hold the midfield together, but he was overwhelmed. San José didn’t bring on Aleix Garrido for support until Eibar was trailing in the second half.
**Olaetxea:** Caught Joaquín with an elbow just after kick-off, which the referee called a penalty after VAR review—Málaga’s first. After heavy physical exertion and seeing Málaga easily bypass the midfield in the second half, he was replaced by Javi Martínez.
**Adu Ares:** Plenty of presence in both attack and defense. Going forward, he contributed to Eibar’s first goal. Defensively, he helped the backline when Málaga pushed hard. A tactical switch saw him make way for Martón.
**Mada:** The academy product is establishing himself in the division. A game where he faded as it went on, but he was heavily involved in the first half. He tried from distance, but his shot was blocked.
**Corpas:** Turned the score around by capitalizing on a defensive rebound in the box. He gave everything physically, but in the second half, the team missed his forward runs.
**Bautista:** Created space by pulling Einar away, then set up Corpas’ goal with a shot and a rebound. He disappeared in the second half as his teammates struggled to get the ball forward.
**Substitutes:**
**Javi Martínez:** Came on for Adu Ares around the hour mark. Decent in pressing, poor on the ball. He lost two important balls that led to Málaga attacks.
**Martón:** Replaced Olaetxea for the last half hour. Not as sharp as he has been this season.
**Álvaro Rodríguez:** Bolstered the right flank, trying to create more in attack. Two chances came down his side. San José likely noted the former Real Madrid man’s hunger.
**Garrido:** Came on for Mada to reinforce midfield, as Eibar had lost control of the ball.
**Bernat:** Returned from injury, playing the final ten minutes with the score at 2-4.
