Eibar beat Real Madrid for the first time in La Liga courtesy of an incredible 3-0 success in the Basque County on Saturday afternoon.
Real Madrid entered the match knowing that a win would see them move to within one point of league leaders Barcelona, but an impressive Eibar triumphed in front of their own supporters.
Gonzalo Escalante, Sergi Enrich and Kike scored the goals for the home side, who enjoyed arguably their most famous afternoon since becoming a top-flight outfit in 2014.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Morning all! Welcome to Sports Mole's live commentary of the La Liga clash between Eibar and Real Madrid from the Basque Country. Real Madrid will be looking for their fifth straight victory in all competitions this afternoon. Indeed, Los Blancos have won all four of their matches under interim boss Santiago Solari, and sit just four points off the top of the table despite already suffering four league defeats this season. Stay tuned for live minute-by-minute updates!
Real Madrid won both league matches between the two teams last season, following a 3-0 success at the Bernabeu towards the end of 2017 with a 2-1 win at Eibar back in March. Real Madrid have also twice scored four times away to Eibar in Spain's top flight, and have won seven of the eight matches - drawing the other - between these two teams at this level of football.
Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from the Basque County. How many defenders have Real Madrid recovered? Let's see!
TEAMS!
EIBAR: Riesgo; Cote, Ramis, Oliveira, Pena; Orellana, Escalante, Jordan, Cucurella; Enrich, Kike
MADRID: Courtois; Odriozola, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Kroos, Modric, Ceballos; Asensio, Benzema, Bale
Eibar are once again be without the services of Pedro Leon through injury, while Anaitz Arbilla picked up a red card against Real Valladolid before the international break and is therefore suspended. Ivan Ramis is back from injury to start, however, and there is somewhat of a surprise in the final third as Charles is left out, with both Kike and Sergi Enrich in the XI.
Real Madrid's defensive problems worsened in their 4-2 win over Celta Vigo before the international break, with Nacho, Casemiro and Sergio Reguilon all picking up injuries which rule them out of this game. There is good news on the defensive front, however, with Dani Carvajal, Raphael Varane and Marcelo all in the squad this afternoon. Varane and Marcelo both start, with Alvaro Odriozola getting the nod at right-back as Carvajal starts on the bench.
Dani Ceballos takes Casemiro's position in the middle of midfield, with Toni Kroos and Luka Modric also starting. Further forward, Bale and Benzema will take two of the three positions, with Marco Asensio edging out the likes of Isco and Lucas Vazquez to make the first XI.
So there we have it. The two teams are in, and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff in this one. I shall speak about Eibar and their start to the season a little bit later, but let's start with the visitors Real Madrid, who will be eyeing another important win this afternoon.
Real Madrid have won all four of their matches since Solari took charge on an interim basis, beating Melilla, Real Valladolid, Viktoria Plzen and Celta Vigo across three separate competitions. It was vital that Los Blancos returned to winning ways in the league as soon as possible, and they beat Valladolid 2-0 at the start of the month before recording a 4-2 victory away to Celta.
Having suffered four league defeats already this season, Real Madrid should possibly be out of the title race. Other teams have had their problems this season, however, and Los Blancos might sit sixth, but are just four points off division leaders Barcelona, who will travel to third-placed Atletico Madrid tonight - I also have that one covered be sure to tune in later!
Goals were hard to find under Julen Lopetegui earlier this season, but Real Madrid have scored 15 times in their last four matches. Karim Benzema has started the season well, but Gareth Bale has just three La Liga strikes to his name this term, and the Wales international will be desperate for a strong match. Can those two impress for the visitors this afternoon?
It is a busy period for Real Madrid as they prepare to travel to Italian giants Roma in the Champions League next week before hosting Valencia in La Liga next weekend. Solari's side will then face Melilla in the second leg of their Copa del Rey clash on December 6. There is also the small matter of the Club World Cup in the middle of next month.
Club president Florentino Perez reportedly wants to bring a new striker to the Bernabeu in January to boost the team's options in the second half of the season, having not adequately replaced Cristiano Ronaldo during the summer. Monaco's Radamel Falcao has been mentioned, while a swoop for Zlatan Ibrahimovic cannot be ruled out at this stage.
It has been a strange season for Real Madrid thus far, but a win here would put them right back in the title race, which is incredible when considering their issues thus far this term.
Four wins, three draws and five defeats - that is how Eibar have performed in La Liga this season. A total of 15 points has left the Basque outfit in 13th position in the table, just two points off the top seven entering Week 13 in La Liga. Can they shock Los Blancos in this one?
Jose Luis Mendilibar's side have actually only lost one of their last five in Spain's top flight, beating Alaves and drawing with Real Valladolid since suffering a 4-0 defeat at Celta Vigo at the end of last month. Eibar have also already held Atletico Madrid this season, and will certainly believe that they can cause Real Madrid problems in this afternoon's match.
Since returning to La Liga for the 2014-15 campaign, Eibar's positions in Spain's top flight have progressively improved. They actually should have been relegated in 2015 having finished in 18th, but Elche's financial problems saw them drop out of the top flight. The 2015-16 campaign then brought a 14th-placed finish, before posting 10th in 2016-17.
Last term, Eibar finished ninth in Spain's top flight, which was their best ever campaign in La Liga. In all honesty, Eibar should not be able to compete at this level, but they have more than proved themselves in recent seasons, and will be eyeing a famous win this afternoon.
In terms of what is ahead for Mendilibar's team, they will travel to Rayo Vallecano in their final match of the month, before facing Levante, Valencia and Real Betis ahead of the international break. Eibar are two points off the top seven as mentioned, but also just five points clear of the relegation zone, and things can turn quickly at this level of football.
Goals have been hard to find this term, managing just 12 in their 12 fixtures. Charles is their top scorer with three, but there has not really been a consistent goal-getter for the club this season. Down the other end, Eibar have conceded 18 times, which is actually the same number as Barcelona. Kickoff in this one is now just about 10 minutes away!
Real Madrid will certainly enter this match as the favourites, but the European champions only narrowly won the corresponding fixture last term, and while Los Blancos have had a number of players away on international duty, Eibar have had a couple of weeks to prepare for this game.
Just a reminder of the two teams for this match...
EIBAR: Riesgo; Cote, Ramis, Oliveira, Pena; Orellana, Escalante, Jordan, Cucurella; Enrich, Kike
MADRID: Courtois; Odriozola, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Kroos, Modric, Ceballos; Asensio, Benzema, Bale
PREDICTION! Real Madrid are on a bit of a roll at the moment, and we fancy the European champions to continue their strong record against Eibar with a fairly comfortable 2-0 success.
No real rush this afternoon it seems! Both sets of players are only just making their way onto the field. The home supporters are in fine voice as we approach kickoff in this one.
KICKOFF: Eibar kick things off on home soil...
... it has been a fairly open start, with both teams enjoying possession of the ball. Varane - back in the team following a fairly lengthy absence - has just been forced to clear down-field following a period of pressure. It must be said that the pitch is looking absolutely excellent.
OFF THE POST! Wow! Eibar come close to taking the lead as Kike strikes one from outside the box, but the forward's effort hits the post! Excellent hit from the number 17 here.
DISALLOWED GOAL! Bale finds the back of the net with a stunning half-volley of his own, but the offside flag is raised. Crikey, it really was some hit from the Welshman there.
Benzema takes the ball away from Jordan to set up a quick counter, but Modric cannot find a white shirt with a pass. Eventually the ball is worked wide and Bale delivers, but Ramis pokes the ball away from Benzema. Both teams are threatening with seven minutes played.
Bale and Benzema once again combine in the final third of the field, but the latter is caught in an offside position. Eibar are holding a very high line at the moment here.
Eibar look to threaten with a corner into the Real Madrid box, but the referee blows for a foul on Courtois. It has been a very even first 11 minutes to this La Liga contest.
OFF THE LINE! Wonderful defending from Cote to clear a Benzema effort off the line! The Real Madrid forward had beaten Riesgo, but Cote was on hand to clear off the goal-line.
I would be astounded if there were not goals this afternoon. Both teams are dangerous.
CLOSE! Eibar's second corner of the match is played short before Kike meets a cross from Jordan, and his header is not too far wide of the post. Kike is a threat here.
DISALLOWED GOAL! Have Eibar taken the lead? Seems not! VAR!
GOAL! EIBAR 1-0 REAL MADRID (ESCALANTE)
Goal given! Following a VAR review, Eibar indeed take the lead. It is Escalante with the goal as the midfielder manages to poke home from close range after Orellana had seen his effort saved by Courtois. Real Madrid will be forced to come from a goal behind here.
Eibar continue to threaten on the counter-attack here. Marcelo and Varane are only just back from injury, and neither looks fit and firing at the moment, which spells trouble.
Varane has to come across to challenge Enrich as Eibar continue to make ground here.
Real Madrid need a bit more from Asensio in this match. The Spaniard is such a fine talent, but has been off-form for some weeks now, and needs to just overcome this little slump.
Solari does have a number of attacking options on his bench this afternoon. It is far too early in the day to be considering alterations, but there is a lot of talent on the Real Madrid bench.
It must be said that on-loan Barcelona defender Cucurella has been very good for Eibar in a wide position. The number 20 played a key role in Eibar taking the lead, and has been very smart in possession of the ball. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining here.
Asensio drives down the left before delivering a deep cross, but Riesgo collects.
Nothing much from Real Madrid since Eibar took the lead. Modric has just had the chance to release Bale on the break, but the Croatian's pass was not even close to being good enough.
Real Madrid would move to within one point of league leaders Barcelona with a win this afternoon, but Eibar deserve their lead as we approach the half-time interval.
Real Madrid have a free kick in a dangerous area as Cucurella fouls Benzema...
YELLOW CARD! Cucurella (Eibar) was booked for the challenge.
SAVE! Smart save from Riesgo to keep out Bale's free kick!
SAVE! Comfortable stop from Riesgo to keep out a low strike from Modric.
YELLOW CARD! Jordan (Eibar) is booked for a foul on Kroos.
Little over five minutes of the first period remaining, and Real Madrid are still behind here. Bale has been dangerous, but it has been a disappointing half from the European champions.
Nothing much from Real Madrid at the moment as Eibar continue to look the more threatening in the final third of the field. Solari cannot be pleased with what he has seen here.
Asensio finds Bale with a smart pass in a dangerous position, but the Welshman's touch is loose, and Eibar can clear for a corner, which Ramos heads wide of the target.
Just a few signs that Real Madrid are starting to find their range here, and Eibar could do with the half-time whistle. That said, Asensio has just fouled Pena inside the Eibar half of the field.
HALF TIME: EIBAR 1-0 REAL MADRID
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Eibar leading Real Madrid 1-0 courtesy of a goal from Escalante. The midfielder's effort was initially ruled out, but finally given following a VAR check. Real Madrid have been disappointing this afternoon.
STATISTICS! Real Madrid had 55% of the ball in the first period, and hit the target with three of their five attempts. Eibar, meanwhile, managed four shots on target from their six attempts. Three yellow cards to report here - Cucurella and Jordan for Eibar, and Bale for Real Madrid.
BENCH WATCH! Real Madrid boss Solari has the likes of Isco, Lucas Vazquez and Vinicius on his bench this afternoon, and it would not be a surprise to see at least two of those in the second period. Eibar, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Cardona, Charles and Alvarez.
KICKOFF: Real Madrid resume the action here...
... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as the second period develops here.
Not too much to report at the start of the second period, with neither side able to get hold of the ball. Enrich has just met a cross from the left, but his effort was always wide.
Real Madrid have been very lacklustre in the final third of the field, with Benzema and Asensio struggling to make their mark. This might well be a match for Isco to turn.
GOAL! EIBAR 2-0 REAL MADRID (ENRICH)
Eibar score their second of the match as Enrich finds the bottom corner with a smart finish! Terrible moment for Real Madrid, who took a chance at the back and it has cost them!
REAL MADRID SUB! Carvajal replaces Odriozola for the away side.
Nothing much happening for Real Madrid as they continue to struggle here.
GOAL! EIBAR 3-0 REAL MADRID (KIKE)
Incredible! Eibar have their third of the match as Cucurella's clever cross is poked into Kike's path by Enrich, and the forward slots into the back of the net!
Bale breaks away on the counter for Real Madrid, but the Welshman cannot find a teammate.
Real Madrid just look lost once again, and not for the first time this season. Eibar have been better all over the pitch, and certainly deserve their lead, even a three-goal one.
SAVE! Smart save from Courtois to prevent Orellana making it 4-0!
REAL MADRID SUB! Isco replaces Modric for the away side.
Nothing at all is happening for Real Madrid - no fightback, nothing. Eibar are by far the better team, and are the ones looking for more goals as we approach the 70th minute of action.
More loose defending from Real Madrid as Ramos passes straight to Kike, but the offside flag saves the away side. My word, some of the defending from the visitors has been terrible.
Ceballos, Ramos, Varane, Kroos. All four have been disappointing. But I could continue - Asensio, Benzema, Marcelo. In truth, only Bale has contributed for the away side here.
CLOSE! Benzema fires across the Eibar goal from a tight angle.
Real Madrid are having lots of the ball at the moment, but Eibar are comfortable as they look to keep a clean sheet, which would make this one incredible afternoon for the club.
EIBAR SUB! Charles replaces Enrich for the home side.
REAL MADRID SUB! Vinicius replaces Asensio for Real Madrid.
Courtois does not help Real Madrid nerves as he kicks straight to Kike in a dangerous position, but eventually the Belgium international manages to gather the ball.
Courtois manages to come across to gather as Eibar again threaten inside the Real Madrid box. The away side's goalkeeper then has to keep out a clever effort from Charles.
Solari looks extremely confused on the touchline, this will be the first time that he has lost since becoming Real Madrid's interim boss. What does this result do to their confidence?
Little over five minutes of the second period remaining, and Eibar still lead 3-0. Benzema attempts to get something going for the away side, but he runs into traffic.
EIBAR SUB! Alvarez replaces Orellana for the home side.
Varane is only just back from injury, but his form throughout this season has been disappointing. He is arguably the most talented centre-back in world football, but simply has to improve his performances in the coming months. Eibar are preparing a third change.
EIBAR SUB! Kike is replaced by De Blasis for the home side.
De Blasis has certainly put himself about since being introduced, and that is causing more concern at the back for Real Madrid. To be honest, the European champions want this one over as soon as possible so they can move on. It has been a really poor afternoon for them.
CLOSE! Vinicius sends a low effort wide of the Eibar post.
We are into the second of three additional minutes at the end of the match.
FULL TIME: EIBAR 3-0 REAL MADRID
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Eibar running out 3-0 winners over Real Madrid in the Basque County. What a afternoon for the home side! Thanks for joining Sports Mole for our live coverage once again. See you soon!
