In a spectacular display of resilience, CD Castellón roared back to life on April 18, 2025, securing a decisive 4-1 victory against Almería at the Skyfi Castalia. This match marked a significant turnaround for Castellón, who ended a frustrating seven-game winless streak, inching closer to safety in the Segunda División standings.
The home side, under the guidance of coach Johan Plat, showcased their attacking prowess, with Chirino playing a pivotal role on the right flank. The match started with an electric pace as Almería threatened early on with two quick chances. Leo Baptistao and Luis Suárez both tested Castellón's goalkeeper Gonzalo Crettaz, but he was equal to the task, making crucial saves that set the tone for the match.
However, it was Almería who struck first. In the 18th minute, a swift counter-attack culminated in Nico Melamed finding the net with a precise shot that nestled into the bottom corner, leaving Gonzalo with no chance. It was a moment of brilliance from Melamed, who capitalized on a defensive lapse from Castellón.
Despite the setback, Castellón maintained their composure and began to assert control over the game. The turning point came just after the half-hour mark when Chirino delivered a pinpoint cross that Moyita expertly converted, leveling the score at 1-1. This goal ignited the home crowd and sparked a renewed sense of urgency in the Castellón players.
As the first half drew to a close, Castellón nearly took the lead when Ousmane Camara's powerful header struck the crossbar, a near miss that would have sent them into halftime ahead. The first half ended with both teams locked at one goal apiece, but it was clear that Castellón was gaining momentum.
In the second half, Castellón continued to dominate. Camara, who had already come close to scoring, made no mistake shortly after the break. He found the back of the net with a commanding header in the 52nd minute, putting Castellón ahead 2-1. The goal came from a well-placed assist by Calatrava, and it was a blow that Almería struggled to recover from.
Not content with just a one-goal advantage, Castellón pressed on, showcasing their attacking depth. Suero, who had been brought on as a substitute, made an immediate impact. He scored his first goal in the 63rd minute, finishing off a brilliant team move that started with Chirino. Suero’s ability to arrive late into the box proved crucial as he slotted home with precision.
Just eleven minutes later, Suero struck again, this time with a stunning effort from the edge of the area. His shot curled perfectly into the bottom corner, leaving Almería’s goalkeeper Maximiano helpless. With this second goal, Suero not only sealed the match for Castellón but also highlighted the depth of talent available to coach Plat.
As the match wore on, Almería found themselves on the back foot, unable to respond to Castellón’s relentless attack. This defeat was particularly damaging for Almería, who have now conceded nine goals in two matches against Castellón this season, a statistic that underscores their defensive frailties.
In the aftermath of the match, Castellón’s players celebrated a vital victory that could prove pivotal in their quest to avoid relegation. The team’s performance was lauded by fans and pundits alike, with Chirino’s contribution being especially praised for his creativity and pace down the right flank.
Looking ahead, Castellón will hope to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures, as they aim to secure their place in the Segunda División for another season. Meanwhile, Almería will need to regroup quickly, as they face mounting pressure to reverse their fortunes and get back into playoff contention.
This match not only showcased the highs and lows of football but also served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sport. As both teams continue their campaigns, fans can expect more thrilling encounters in the weeks to come.
