Castellón 1-0 Amorebieta: Three key takeaways
Castellón came through a more difficult challenge than anticipated against Amorebieta, getting all three points despite some nervy moments in the last 15 minutes. The visitors played well, and could have equalised in the closing moments on several occasions, including a shot that hit the post. It was Manu Sanchez’s shot (via Dani Romera) that had given the Albinegres the lead earlier on after Amorebieta failed to clear a corner.
It was an overall positive performance as Castellón now move to five wins out of five at home this season, and the top of the table after Eldense and Alcoyano both dropped points. Here are three key takeaways from the game that Castellon will have to think about as they head into vital a top of the table clash away at Eldense this Sunday.
Complacency
Complacency is the last hurdle standing between any team and its potential greatness. Those are the words of Pat Riley, the legendary NBA coach and general manager. Now on a four game winning streak, Castellón have all the momentum, but the last 20 minutes of the game against Amorebieta were far from easy. For the first time in a while, it seemed like the foot was slightly taken off the gas pedal, or at least that the team were happy to give the ball away and defend, instead of hold onto it and control the game. That gave Amorebieta multiple opportunities to get back into it, and Castellón were relieved to hear the final whistle.
Closing out and controlling games late on will be vital going forward, and even though it has turned out well so far, it’s important to regain the focus the team had against Alcoyano and La Nucia late on. Eldense won’t be as forgiving as Amorebieta were.
Fabricio is a different class
Sometimes, it’s clear that there is a player on the pitch who is too good for the division. Fabricio has emerged as that guy. There’s isn’t a defender in the division who can handle him one on one, and once again he was giving the Amorebieta defenders nightmares all afternoon.
Whether it’s dribbling or crossing, the Brazilian on loan from Levante is the total package. He produced arguably the cross of the season so far with the outside of his foot, but unfortunately Kochorashvili headed it wide even though he was wide open. Castellón will have to do whatever it takes to hold on to him at the end of the season.
Long balls
Castellón are a small team height wise. Dani Romera is 173cm. Kone, who played on the wing against Amorebieta, is 178cm. Fabricio was the tallest of the front three on Sunday at 186cm. All of which begs the question - why were the team resorting to long balls, especially towards the end of the game? It was clearly not the optimal strategy, as shown by the chances Amorebieta were able to create because they were getting the ball back so frequently. With Raul Sanchez (188cm), who was missing through injury, it might have been more justifiable. But there is no way that Dani Romera is able to hold the ball up efficiently.
The team either has to make an effort to keep the ball closer to the ground, or find a quality “target man” option in January. Cubillas (191cm) is available, but has been largely kept on the bench so far this season.
The next game against Eldense is the most important of the season so far, and the team have the chance to open a gap at the top of the table. Let’s hope they can keep the streak going!
