Balaídos pitch puts Celta Fortuna v Castellón on 31 August in serious doubt | OneFootball

The Celta Fortuna v Castellón match on Monday 31 August at Abanca Balaídos is in serious doubt after a fungus damaged the pitch. According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, Castellón had ringed the trip as a rare chance to play at a top-flight, Europa League venue.

The turf problem also threatens Celta’s LaLiga opener against Osasuna this Sunday, 16 August at 21.30. Celta have told LaLiga and Osasuna, favour a postponement, while the visitors want to keep the date. No decision has been taken.

Balaídos was set for a heavy workload across Primera, Segunda and the Europa League, with several weekends when first team and B side both host. The club chose summer maintenance over a full relaid until December, plans upended by the fungus.

August already looked punishing, with Celta Fortuna v Andorra on Monday 24 August, the first team hosting Athletic Club on Sunday 30, then Celta Fortuna v Castellón the next night. Any use of Balaídos now depends on the pitch recovering.

One alternative gaining traction for the B team is Cidade Deportiva Afouteza, subject to LaLiga approval. Barreiro was not planned as a fallback this season after promotion.

Castellón start on Friday, 14 August at 20.30 away to Real Sociedad B in Zubieta, not Anoeta, so will not visit Anoeta this Segunda season. They may also miss Balaídos, with travellers likely changing plans late.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”