For the first time in their history Eibar have drawn four consecutive top flight games after a 0-0 stalemate with Villarreal in the early kick off on Three Kings Day.
Villarreal remain unbeaten under new coach Luis Garcia (one victory and three draws) but have now won just once in 12 league games.
Jose Luis Mendilibar made two changes to the XI that drew at Real Betis just before the Christmas break. Pape Diop was preferred to Gonzalo Escalante in midfielder, and striker Charles returned to the team in place of Kike Garcia. The formation was 4-4-2.
Villarreal had played against Real Madrid less than 72 hours earlier - drawing 2-2 with Santi Cazorla scoring twice. Luis Garcia made just three changes to his XI, all in defence: With Alvaro Gonzalez and Jaume Costa suspended, Mario Gaspar (returning from suspension) and Ramiro Funes Mori started. Miguel Layun was dropped for Alfonso Pedraza.
Cazorla and Javi Fuego - both 34 - started for the second time in four days. The formation was 4-2-3-1.
Inside 60 seconds Pablo Fornals tested Asier Riesgo, who was preferred to Marko Dmitrovic in the Eibar goal.
After that, Eibar settled into a period of dominance, playing their typical style: They pressed high up the pitch with great physicality, crossing frequently and getting their full backs Jose Angel and Ruben Pena forward.
On the right flank Fabien Orellana played excellently for the hosts, working hard defensively and creating plenty. His fellow winger - Marc Cucurella - was hugely impressive in his tenacious pressing and winning of possession.
After seven minutes Orellana tested Sergio Asenjo from a tight angle after a nice lay off from Pape Diop. Sergi Enrich then headed over, Charles volleyed over and Joan Jordan went wide from distance. The hosts were bossing the encounter - their 4-4-2 and high press was too much for Villarreal who were over-run in midfield. They were thoroughly out-played for the remainder of the first half.
After the break Orellana robbed possession and set up Charles whose shot was well saved - this was classic Eibar: high press, steal possession in the opponent's half and attack in a direct manner.
On the counter attack Santi Cazorla crossed delightfully for Gerard Moreno but the 26 year old failed to beat Riesgo from close range. Villarreal need more from him in attack, or perhaps Carlos Bacca should be starting.
Eibar were again the dominant team. An Ivan Ramis header was brilliantly saved by Asenjo before the 34 year old centre back headed wide 60 seconds later, before departing holding his right thigh.
With 26 minutes remaining The Yellow Submarine conjured a fine break: Cazorla exchanged passes with teenager Samuel Chukwueze (who had a tough game trying to contain the impressive Jose Angel) and tried to round Riesgo but couldn't.
Neither coach changed shape or system. For Mendilibar this was understandable, but Villarreal were being largely out played.
Late on either team could have stolen the victory. Ramiro Funes Mori headed wide when well placed, before Bacca drilled a shot at Riesgo. For Eibar, Orellana teed up Gonazlo Escalante (on for Joan Jordan) whose shot was cleared off the line by Funes Mori in the 90th minute. On the rebound Cucurella blazed over. Then in the 93rd minute Kike Garcia (on for Charles) was denied by Asenjo for the second time.
On Three Kings Day neither side could find the goal to clinch three points. Eibar kept their fourth clean sheet of the season, Villarreal their fifth, but crucially their first since Week Six.
Villarreal now face an extremely busy seven week period given that they're still in the Copa Del Rey and the UEFA Europa League. Judging on this performance they must improve greatly to avoid a tense relegation battle. Cup runs could prove a dangerous distraction.
Eibar have failed to win any of their last five league games, and have made their worst start to a La Liga campaign. However, they do have a very clear system of play and work incredibly hard. They move on to 22 points, still just five ahead of Villarreal.
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