Ipurua witnessed a controversial finish on Saturday as Racing de Ferrol fell to Eibar 2-1, a result marred by a late red card and accusations of overly harsh officiating. The incident, occurring in the 86th minute, saw Racing’s Puerta sent off for what was initially deemed a yellow card offense, only to be upgraded to a direct red following a VAR review.
The decision sparked immediate outrage from Racing coach José Alberto López, who voiced his frustration in the post-match press conference. “I really believe that with these types of decisions, sometimes they are for and other times they are against,” López stated, adding pointedly, “We are destroying football with them.”
López continued to question the severity of the call, stating, “Regardless of whether or not the player has lightly contacted the Eibar footballer, it is not seen at any time. I think that, really, we have to do much more than what we have seen today to expel a player.” The coach’s comments highlight a growing concern among some within Spanish football regarding the consistency and threshold for disciplinary action.
The match itself was a tightly contested affair. Eibar took the lead early, capitalizing on an early mistake by Garcia. However, Racing responded, leveling the score at 1-1 before the contentious incident. Following Puerta’s dismissal, Eibar pressed their numerical advantage, ultimately securing the victory in the 94th minute through a goal from Álvaro Rodríguez.
The red card proved pivotal, shifting the momentum decisively in Eibar’s favor. Racing were forced to defend with ten men for the remainder of the match, a significant disadvantage in the closing stages. The late goal underscored the impact of the sending-off, denying Racing a valuable point on the road.
This defeat comes at a critical juncture in the Segunda División season. While Eibar’s win solidifies their position in the league, Racing de Ferrol will be left to rue not only the loss of the match but also the questionable decision that ultimately swung the contest. The incident is likely to be the subject of further scrutiny, as Real Zaragoza recently filed an appeal regarding a controversial red card issued to their player, Jawad El Yamiq, in a match against Eibar on February 8th, 2026. That appeal, like López’s complaints, centers on the interpretation of an off-the-ball incident.
The parallels between the two cases – both involving Eibar and contested red cards – may fuel further debate about officiating standards in the Segunda División. The league’s Competition Committee will now review the footage and evidence presented by Racing, and determine whether Puerta’s dismissal was justified. The outcome of this review could have significant implications, not only for Racing de Ferrol but also for the broader conversation surrounding refereeing decisions in Spanish football.
Eibar’s victory extends their recent form, demonstrating their ability to capitalize on both tactical advantages and opponent errors. The team, playing at their home stadium, Estadio Municipal de Ipurua, which has a capacity of 8,164, showcased a resilient performance, particularly in the latter stages of the match. Key players like Álvaro Rodríguez proved decisive, highlighting the depth and quality within the Eibar squad.
For Racing de Ferrol, the focus now shifts to regrouping and preparing for their next fixture. The team will need to address the impact of Puerta’s suspension and work on maintaining their competitive edge despite the setback. The incident serves as a reminder of the fine margins that often separate success and failure in professional football, and the importance of composure and discipline in high-pressure situations.
The controversy surrounding the red card is likely to linger, adding another layer of intrigue to the Segunda División season. As teams battle for promotion and survival, every decision, every point, and every moment will be scrutinized with increasing intensity. The outcome of Racing’s appeal will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for future disciplinary cases and shape the narrative of the league’s competitive landscape.
The match also featured a notable performance from Eibar’s Jon Magunagoitia, who played 26 minutes in goal, and Aritz Arambarri, who featured for 14 minutes as a defender. Racing de Ferrol saw contributions from Jose Corpas, who scored a goal in 24 minutes, and Alvaro Rodriguez, who played 21 minutes as a defender. The tactical substitutions made by both coaches played a role in the dynamic of the match, particularly in the closing stages.
Looking ahead, both Eibar and Racing de Ferrol face challenging schedules. Eibar will aim to build on their recent momentum, while Racing will seek to bounce back from this disappointing result and regain their footing in the league table. The coming weeks will be crucial for both teams as they navigate the complexities of the Segunda División and strive to achieve their respective goals.
