VALÈNCIA — In a thrilling encounter on March 23, 2025, Levante UD edged CD Castellón 3-2 in a dramatic regional derby at the Ciutat de València stadium. The match was filled with excitement, goals, and moments of controversy, showcasing the fierce competitive spirit of both teams. An intense back-and-forth game kicked off with early action as Calatrava and Morales exchanged shots, foreshadowing a high-tempo match. The goalkeepers had to remain alert from the get-go, exemplified by the near-misses on both ends.
Levante took the lead just before the half-hour mark, thanks to a mistake by Castellón's keeper, Andrés Fernández. Ousmane Camara capitalized on a save attempt, scoring the opening goal for Castellón after a great setup from Cala. Camara’s timing was impeccable, and he put Castellón ahead 1-0. However, their joy was short-lived. Minutes later, Carlos Álvarez was brought down by Escobar, and Iván Romero converted the resulting penalty with precision, leveling the score at 1-1.
The action continued to escalate as Romero quickly added a second goal in added time, again assisted by Álvarez, who was pivotal in this match. As the teams headed to the half, Levante went in front 2-1. Yet, Castellón wasn’t about to back down. Determined to fight back, Camara found the net again in the second half, equalizing to 2-2 after a well-timed delivery from Jozhua, who was instrumental in this fierce contest.
As both teams jockeyed for position, the intrigue heightened with numerous controversial moments, including a disallowed goal for Castellón that had the players and coach Johan Plat expressing frustration. His side had a goal ruled out due to a foul during a quick free kick, a decision that added to the intensity of the match. On the other hand, Levante's coach Julián Calero defended the refereeing decisions, confirming that he believed both penalties awarded to his team were justified due to fouls against Álvarez and Espí.
The match featured a stunning moment when Levante's Lozano struck the crossbar from near midfield, nearly making it 3-2 before the eventual winning penalty. With the score tied late in the game, Castellón continued to press for a lead, but their efforts were thwarted. A decisive moment came in the 84th minute, when Willems committed a foul on Espí, leading to a second penalty for Levante. Dela stepped up and transformed the spot-kick, sealing the game at 3-2 for Levante and ensuring their position at the top of LaLiga Hypermotion.
After the match, Coach Johan Plat lamented the narrow defeat, noting that his team played exceptionally well and didn’t deserve to lose. He emphasized the need for improvement, particularly defensively, stating, “I think we played a good game and have to keep our heads up. If we keep playing like this, we will win a lot of matches.” His reflection mirrored the sentiments of his disappointed players who felt they had given their all.
For Levante, the victory was crucial as it marked their fifth consecutive win, consolidating their lead in the league. Calero stressed the importance of maintaining balance and humility moving forward in the season, saying, “It’s great to be top, but we have to stay grounded.” His reference to legendary coach Luis Aragonés highlighted a drive to instill belief in his squad as they head into the final phase of the season.
As the dust settles from this electrifying match, both teams will carry valuable lessons into their upcoming fixtures. Castellón remains a strong contender despite the loss, while Levante looks to build on their momentum as they seek to maintain their lead in the division. Fans on both sides were treated to an exhilarating derby that showcased the passion and unpredictability of football, making for an unforgettable day at the Ciutat de València.
