CD Castellón 2-0 Athletic B: Five huge positives
What a game. After a frustrating draw in their previous game against Atletico Baleares, the Albinegres came through big time with all three points and a clean sheet during an impressive 2-0 victory. Here are five huge positives to take away heading into next weekend’s clash against Cornella.
1. El Mago worked his magic
What more can you say about this man that hasn’t been said already? A vintage Pablo Hernandez finish gave Castellón a two goal lead, and El Mago was nothing short of phenomenal in the second half.
After a subpar first 45 minutes, he couldn’t have responded better, and was the centre of Castellón’s attacking play. Besides his phenomenal volley that found the back of the net, he narrowly missed getting a second with a shot that narrowly went the wrong side of the post.
It’s a great sign going forward that Pablo is getting on form, and he should once again be the team’s creative force against Cornella next weekend.
2. A strong second half
Perhaps the biggest change from the first three games. A strong first half from Castellón was nothing new, after all the Albinegres have lead at half time in all four games this season. But the second half in the previous three games was much more problematic, with the team losing focus, costing points.
Not this time though. On the contrary, Castellón looked even better in the second half than they did the first, which was a huge relief to see. They really limited Athletic’s chances, and never looked in serious danger. Even when Oscar Gil got sent off for a second yellow, the focus levels didn’t drop, and they maintained their performance. The substitutions were well executed, and hopefully the team will continue with the strong second half performances over the rest of the season.
3. Confidence is building
There were times in the game when Castellón seemed to be riding a huge wave of confidence. A feeling of invincibility almost. Naturally there is a fine line between this and complacency, but some players really looked on another level confidence wise. As if to illustrate this, Manu Sanchez, who scored early on from a corner, decided to have a go from 35 yards out on his wrong foot. It wasn’t close to going in, but you have to be in some mood to even consider such a strike.
Confidence breeds success, and although the team mustn’t completely throw caution to the wind, it was refreshing to see them play at times with a sense of freedom that was absent in recent games. If this can be converted into goals and chances, a good run of results is inevitable.
4. Konaldinho
Abdoul Kone pulled off an elastico so good yesterday, the defender looked like a washing machine on the spin cycle. He’ll be known as Konaldinho from now on. He also produced a few delightful balls over the top and really showed that he is not only a goal threat but a winger with a real creative ability.
Both him and Pablo Hernandez are capable of finding Dani Romera on a consistent basis, which really causes problems for opposing defenders in deciding who to close down. Kone also has the pace to run past defenders and create shots for himself, as he did on Sunday after his piece of brilliance.
5. A clean sheet, finally
Security in goal was something never completely guaranteed, especially considering Sarr’s blunder last weekend. Against Athletic, Castellón secured their first clean sheet of the season with Alfonso Pastor making his debut between the sticks.
The young keeper on loan from Sevilla dealt with everything he had to confidently, and although Athletic were not a constant threat to his goal, his presence was calm and composed on his debut. It looks like the Albinegres have a goalkeeper they can trust going forward this season.
