CD Castellón 2-0 Osasuna Promesas: Defensive solidity meets offensive efficiency

Castellón notched up their third consecutive home win of the season in what was a much improved performance compared to last time out against Cornellà. It means they have started their season at home with nine points from nine, the first time that has happened since the 99/00 season, which is a testament to the change in mentality that has taken place since last season. Manu Sanchez and Dani Romera were the goal scorers, but it was an overall solid defensive and efficient offensive performance that really got them the win.

Shutting down the opposition

Coming into the game, it was clear Osasuna Promesas carried a significant attacking threat through their wing play. However, throughout, the Albinegres did a great job of shutting down the threat, ensuring that Pau Martinez and Iker Benito were mostly limited to half chances.

Josep Calvera in particular had a spectacular game, with a huge number of interceptions and ball recoveries, and that really solidified the team as a whole. Iago Indias has established himself as one of the better centre backs in the division and Manu Sanchez has been a presence from full back, not just defensively but also offensively with his two goals in six games.

Since the first game against Barcelona B, Castellón has conceded two goals in five games, an extremely impressive defensive record. For a team now in third place in the table, that will be vital to maintain, especially with a tough game against Alcoyano coming up in two weeks time.

Building momentum

Castellón’s next game is at home to La Nucia, and a great opportunity to get back to back wins for the first time this season. The team from the Alicante suburbs are in 16th in the table, so getting all three points at home should be the minimum expectation.

That would then give the Albinegres significant momentum going into their toughest test of the season so far, against table-toppers Alcoyano away from home.

Dani is the man (again)

Dani Romera once again came up with the goods yesterday. As they say in Spanish, you need a player ‘que tiene gol’ [who has a goal in him], and the man from Almería certainly has that at this level. Although his tap in was nothing to write home about, the fact that he was in the right place at the right time shows his value to a team aiming to get promoted. Opponents need to make a plan to deal with him, and that in turn gives more opportunities to the surrounding wingers like Fabricio and Kone.

Cristian - set piece master?

Finally, another element that any successful team needs is a dependable set piece taker, and it also seems that Castellón have that with Cristian. He provided the assist from the corner for Manu Sanchez’s header, but he has been consistently delivering in that regard since the beginning of the season. It really adds another dimension to a team’s game. Castellón has now scored three goals in six games from set pieces, and Cristian should enable the team to continue to be threatening from those situations.