The achievements of Eibar last season caught the interest of many within world football. With the smallest wage budget in the league (€3.5m), along with a stadium capacity of just 5,200, Los Armeros confounded everyone to finish top of the Segunda Division to win promotion to La Liga for the first time in their history. 
 
Moreover, the club won plaudits during their fight to stay in the top flight, with an innovative crowd-funding campaign to pay an administrative debt that raised €1.7m. Supporters of the initiative included Manchester City’s David Silva and Bayern Munich’s Xabi Alonso who played for Eibar on loan earlier in their careers. 
 
However, despite their efforts, many observers felt Eibar would find it difficult to stave off relegation back into the Segunda. Los Armeros acquired just one player via a transfer fee, Dani Nieto from Barcelona for just €75,000, while the rest were either free transfers or loans. Eibar acquired players from fellow Basque clubs like Real Sociedad or Athletic Bilbao, squad members within their main squad or the cantera. Spending so little many wondered how they would fare this season.
 
As a result, these last two months have been a dream for the team, as they currently sit ninth in the table after seven games. They are the highest-ranked Basque team, let alone among the promoted sides. Los Armeros have won the respect but also admiration among the clubs within La Liga. Under Coach Gaizka Garitano they have played with dogged resilience, steely determination and at times daring. 
 
Under Garitano, Eibar have battled hard against the top teams but played good football showing their talents. In addition, they have acquired the taste of scoring some brilliant goals, such as Abraham’s beautiful curler against Atletico Madrid and Federico Piovaccari’s stunning 93rd minute equaliser that earned a 3-3 home draw against Levante. 
 
Eibar’s list of goalscorers this season also shows a unity within the team, as seven separate players have scored seven goals, which shows the club are not reliant on one person like certain clubs. This is unlike last season where Jota, on loan from Celta Vigo, was the main spearhead in their promotion season by scoring 11 goals. 
 
The club’s sensible methods on the pitch are also reflected off it, as Eibar are the only team in La Liga without any debt whatsoever, which shows their financial prudence. Playing in one of the top leagues in the world means their long-term future is secured providing they can avoid relegation.
 
The Basque outfit’s next game is against Barcelona at the Camp Nou, which is just reward for their efforts so far this season. It is especially fitting for veterans such as goalkeeper Xabi Iruretagoiena and Txema Anibarro, who have served Eibar well. Though avoiding defeat would be astronomical for the club, the spectacle of hosting not only Barcelona in the return fixture but also Real Madrid will equal the feat. 
 
No doubt the small town of less than 30,000 inhabitants will be electrified at hosting such prestigious opponents. Teams such as Real Sociedad and Villarreal have seen how difficult it is to get a result at Estadio Municipal de Ipurua.
 
Two years ago while they languished in the Segunda Division no one thought Eibar could achieve what they have done so far. It just goes to show dreams can come true. 
La Liga - Club News