Castellón dominate 10-man Eldense in statement win (2-0)
Castellón delivered, and then some, in what was the biggest game of the season thus far, outclassing Eldense in a composed yet dominating performance. A stunning free kick by Cristian, resulting from a red card for Eldense’s Alex Martínez, and a goal late on by Giorgi Kochorashvili sealed all three points and broke the title race wide open. It was a team performance, yet full of individual stand out performances, that displayed Castellón serious title credentials and will have put every other team in the Primera RFEF Group 2 on notice.
Varied attacking options
Castellón started the game with four of their January signings in the starting XI, including their three offensive signings, attacking midfielder Isra Suero, striker Jesús De Miguel, and winger Adri Fuentes.
After only playing 45 minutes on his debut last weekend, Suero got more of a chance to show his ability, and he was an important part of the win, obtaining the free kick that Cristian converted after running in behind the defender in what would have been a one-on-one situation. His freer role behind the front three destabilised Eldense’s defense, creating a number of imbalances which allowed Castellón to generate a significant number of chances.
De Miguel was also instrumental in both goals, his through ball leading to the foul on Suera, and for the second his header down to Kochorashvili, allowing the Georgian to double Castellón’s lead. As much as his scoring record was insignificant this season for former club Unionistas, it seems like what he can offer in build-up play and chance creation, is just as, if not more, important. Castellón can use him to create play, and give chances to the more goal focused wingers, whether it’s Fabricio, Raúl Sánchez or Adri Fuentes. He’s also an important aerial option from set pieces at 1.89m, and someone Castellón can clear the ball to if necessary.
Albert Rudé now has the luxury of multiple offensive approaches depending on the opponent in question, especially when winger Koné and Pablo Hernández return from injury. Although given the effectiveness of the attacking trio that started this game, it‘s difficult to see him making changes for next weekend’s fixture against Atlético Baleares.
Composure and game management
Arguably even more impressive than the attacking play was the composure and game management following the first goal. It was a performance that looked nothing like the frantic and disorganised end to the game against La Nucía, which resulted in the concession of a late equaliser and the loss of two points.
Spearheaded by a standout performance from Borja Granero, Eldense were severely limited, especially in the last 30 minutes, and Castellón goalkeeper Alfonso Pastor could have cracked open a tercio early. Having not played all season before joining from Deportivo, Granero put in one of the best defensive performances I have seen anywhere this year, and looked like a captain in the making. Oscar Gil, who started the season playing at centre back alongside Iago Indias, delivering some solid performances, will have a hard time getting back into the starting XI on Granero’s current form.
Another player who could also have trouble getting back to the starting XI is former starter Salva Ruiz, with right-footed Javi Antón having impressively made the position his own during the last few matches. Despite starting the season with depth issues on the left, Castellón now seem to have multiple serious options, including new signing Roland Baas.
Such composure will now be needed to improve Castellón’s less than desirable away record, starting in two weeks’ time against Intercity, and just like up front, it would be surprising to see Rudé make changes to the back line after such an impressive and focused performance.
Castalia at its best
The story of the game would not be complete without a mention of the 12th man, who also put on their best display of the season. From the welcome of the team bus before kick off to the “Mi fiel amigo” tifo displayed as the teams walked on to the pitch, without forgetting the Mexican wave in the second half, it was reminiscent of the atmosphere during Castellón previous promotion season back in 2019/2020. The official attendance said just under 12,000, although it felt like more, with only a handful of empty seats visible. Hopefully they can keep the same energy next weekend for Castellón second home game in a row against Atlético Baleares.
