Eibar v Villarreal, big things come from small beginnings

They say that the best things come in small packages, and the saying certainly holds true for SD Eibar and Villarreal CF. The two teams are preparing for a clash this weekend which will demonstrate once again that there are more similarities than differences when it comes to their virtues. First and foremost is the magic of two teams aspiring for a European place, and which have transformed themselves into the standard bearers of their cities, now known the world over.

Eibar’s population of just 27,000 inhabitants have witnessed the stratospheric rise of the team from the Segunda Division B to the Liga BBVA, and they are now enjoying the success of a club looking to go head-to-head with the biggest out there.

 

Villarreal’s case is even more striking, with their 25,000-seater stadium capable of housing half of the municipality, with a total population of 50,000. The Yellow Submarine have captivated everyone with their football and they are serious contenders for the final Champions League pass this season.

Local warmth, the humble nature of their origins, their particular styles of play, two presidents revered by the fans, refined judgement in their dugouts, the fervour surrounding two such promising projects, and the great season which they are both enjoying are the mainstays of Eibar and Villarreal – two clubs of modest provenance, but insatiable ambition.