El Alcoraz did not give up. Neither on the pitch nor in the stands. However, the intensity and determination shown by SD Huesca until the final whistle did not have the longed ending. Hidalgo’s team had done all the hard work –they had recovered from a first-half 0-2, dominated the second half against an Eibar side that saw their seemingly comfortable first-45 lead threatened but ultimately unleashed their firepower in the attack to celebrate three points in a heart-stopping finale.
SD Huesca had the chance to strike first only after three minutes, when a quick Joaquín led a counterattack. However, he struck his shot straight into Luca’s body. The Azulgranas missed a golden opportunity against a high-quality Eibar, as they would display throughout the first half. Alvaro saved the hosts twice, with the most outstanding moment being a one-on-one against Konrad at the end of a counterattack. The Basques, more accurate than Antonio Hidalgo’s men, warned them. The first half ended with a few minutes of a sort of disconnection for SD Huesca, allowing Eibar to open the dreadlock. In the 37th, Berrocal scored the first one following a corner to the far post, and in the 42nd, Soriano found the net with a horizontal pass to the heart of the area. Five heartbreaking fatal minutes for the Oscenses before halftime.
However, Hidalgo’s halftime words seemed to heal their hearts and just one minute into the second half, Hugo Vallejo, assisted by Joaquin, narrowed the gap. The Azulgranas seemed to feel a better vibe, and only the post prevented Jeremy’s near-post header from equalising in the 54th. And we went from a potential 2-2 to another crucial save by Alvaro, this time with his foot. The game continued with the highest intensity, moving the ball quickly from one area to another, with danger on both ends. However, it was from outside the box, in a powerful and unstoppable long-range shot, how Kento brilliantly levelled matters, with 25 minutes remaining and our crowd fully behind the team. But Eibar reacted fiercely to the new scenario, and just five minutes later, after several dangerous moments, Stoichkov found the net after a great through pass inside the penalty area. Another blow for the Altoaragoneses, who were forced once again to come from behind.
Antonio Hidalgo’s team went on the offensive, aware of the risks against a team like Eibar but rallying once again. The equaliser almost came true in a double opportunity, with the keeper as the hero, first saving Loureiro’s shot and then Hugo Vallejo’s rebound. There was a lot of excitement on the pitch for the conclusion and SD Huesca fought even during the six minutes of added time, when everyone held their breath.
