Less-than-perfect Castellón outscore Atlético Baleares (3-2)

With the sun shining for a morning game at Castalia, the home side overcame Atlético Baleares, although not quite as cleanly as many would have expected. Goals from Julio Gracia, Alberto, Jesús de Miguel, and Moyita sealed the win, which sees them maintain their perfect record at home ahead of next week’s top-of-the-table clash against Ibiza.

After a solid first five minutes, Julio Gracia’s long-distance strike forced Atlético Baleares keeper Jero into action, who parried away well for a corner. However, that was probably Castellón’s best chance through the first 20 minutes, as despite soaking up a lot of pressure and not creating much themselves, Atlético Baleares somewhat limited the home side’s chances.

But a couple of minutes later, Castellón got a golden opportunity. Raúl Sánchez was played in down the left, and a clumsy challenge from the Baleares defender gave the referee no other choice but to award a penalty. De Miguel stepped up, but his low shot was well saved to the keeper’s left.

Frustrated but certainly not disheartened, the albinegros didn’t give up and minutes later did find the breakthrough. Julio Gracia found himself one on one against the keeper after taking advantage of a lucky rebound and made no mistake, finishing calmly for his first Castellón goal since signing in the summer.

Soon after, it was Calavera’s turn to have a go, after some great short passing on the edge of the box, but his shot was saved and cleared for a corner.

The albinegros stayed very much in Atlético Baleares' half and took advantage of some poor defending from a corner to score their second. The keeper came out to punch, but it fell to a Castellón player. Jero saved well initially, but couldn’t do anything about the rebound, which fell to Alberto. The center-back finished from the edge of the area like the best of strikers, although his task was made easier by the goalkeeper being out of position.

It seemed as though the home side had the game fully under control, but in football, things are often not as they seem. In one of their first real advances into the Castellón box, Calavera gave away a penalty which was duly converted by David Rodriguez to give Atlético Baleares a way back into the game.

With the difference halved, the Malloquines came forward, and after some dazzling footwork by Armando, found the back of the net to complete the comeback. The striker beat two defenders and left Crettaz helpless with a tidy finish. Castellón, perhaps somewhat lackadaisical, were reminded that nothing is easy, and were sent back to square one.

Go back there they did though, and after regrouping at halftime, they came out strong. Barely 10 minutes in, it was albinegro talisman and top scorer Jesús de Miguel who gave them the lead once again in trademark fashion. After a perfect cross from Medunjanin, he found the net with a beautiful header, his 10th goal of the season.

Castellón continued their superiority, despite some nervous moments controlling the ball in defense, and had further chances through De Miguel, Raúl Sánchez, and Medunjanin.

Atlético Baleares didn’t go away though, and Crettaz had to make a good save to deny Miguelete from close range. Kastaneer’s header went close at the other end, with the game remaining relatively open, and Castellón failing to effectively kill it off.

The visitors threw everyone forward in the closing minutes, including the goalkeeper, and Castellón took advantage, with Medunjanin outdribbling Jero at halfway and finding Moyita for an open shot at goal. The midfielder made no mistake, and the albinegros were able to add to their goal difference with what was the last play of the game.

The winning run continues, as does Castellón’s position at the top of the table, now with a seven-point gap on the second-placed team, Ibiza, who play later. However, there were certainly some moments of sloppiness against a team fighting relegation, and the team from the party island will not be so forgiving as Castellón travels there next weekend.

Castellón: Gonzalo, Chirino, Alberto, Salva Ruiz, Manu Sánchez (De León 62), Calavera, Cristian, Julio Gracia (Moyita 62), Raúl Sánchez (Kastaneer 80), Medunjanin, De Miguel

Atlético Baleares: Jero, David Navarro (Sierra 82), Felix, Juanra, Fornies (Loren 82), Nana, Toni Ramon, Pastrana (Miguelete 70), Ortega (Roberto 58), David R (Raul 82), Armando

Referee: Jorge Diaz Escudero

Attendance: 12321