Alaves 1-1 Eibar: Talking points as Takashi Inui assumes crucial role

Sooraj Kamath - Writer 19:13 09/03/2019
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  • Takashi Inui

    Alaves and Eibar played out a 1-1 draw at the Mendizorroza after a snooze fest of a first half was followed by an exciting second period.

    Takashi Inui scored against his former side just before the hour mark with a delightful finish from a swift counter attack. However, Barcelona loanee Marc Cardona equalised for Eibar in the 71st minute to ensure spoils were shared. 

    We take a look at the talking points from this game between two over-achieving sides in La Liga. 

    JONY AND CALLERI SET THE TONE 

    In truth, Alaves were left to rue several missed opportunities, most of which were the result of some exquisite play from Jony and Jonathan Calleri.

    Jony’s hard running throughout the game caused the visitors all sorts of trouble. It paid dividends when he accelerated away as an Eibar corner was cleared in the second half and he neatly cut the ball inside from the right channel for Inui to march into the box and score. 

    Calleri was the best player on the pitch and deserved an assist of his own.

    The 25-year-old was everywhere and proved a menace for the Eibar defence, laying on three key passes. He set up Borja Baston for a simple finish, but the striker skied it and hence prevented the hosts from enjoying an early lead.

    THE CURIOUS CASE OF INUI 

    Ever since his hyped move to Real Betis last season, former Eibar midfielder Inui has been far from his best. After a promising performance in the World Cup, the Japan international joined Quique Setien to start a new journey in his career but it just wasn’t meant to be. 

    It was not long before Betis decided to loan him out and found suitors in Alaves. Inui has now scored in successive games for the Basque team and is slowly getting into the groove. There is no doubt about his quality as he had shown promise during his time at Eibar and was one of the best players for Japan in the World Cup.  

    Admittedly, the 30-year-old was not at his best against Eibar. He missed a couple of simple opportunities and gave the ball away easily at times. However, he has now scored two important goals in two successive games – the winner against Villarreal and opener against Eibar – and will be feeling more confident about himself for the remainder of the season. 

    Inui’s confidence could be the key for Alaves as they look to book a Champions League spot from their remaining fixtures. 

    EIBAR NEED TO SHOW MORE CONSISTENCY

    Eibar were not particularly at their best in this Basque derby. In fact, they could easily have been 3-1 losers, had Alaves converted well. 

    That said, the visitors responded well to going a goal down and showed real grit in the last 20 minutes or so. Jose Mendilibar’s substitutions worked brilliantly and eventually earned them a point. 

    Marc Cucurella added some width after coming on and did well to link-up with Pape Diop on the left while the other substitute, Cardona scored a sweet volley to make it 1-1. 

    Clearly, it was not a bad day for the visitors but they need to up the ante and show some consistency if they are to challenge for a European spot. 

    Eibar are now one point behind a Europa League play-off spot, although Valencia and Real Betis have a game in hand and can leave the Basque team four points shy of the coveted spot.

    They are not expected to make it to Europe and are doing well by stabilising themselves as a mid-table club, but what a story it will be, should they propel themselves into the qualification spots. 

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