Castellón’s four promotions to the top flight, and the wait for a fifth | OneFootball

Castellón are chasing a fifth return to Primera, 37 years after their last. El Periódico Mediterráneo notes previous climbs in 1941, 1972, 1981 and 1989, and that six of their 11 top-flight seasons came in an opening stint that ended in 1947.

On 2 May 1941 at Chamartín, Teodoro Mauri’s side beat Zaragoza 3-2 in the final. Basilio and Arnau put Castellón 2-0 up before a Martínez own goal and the equaliser. In the 84th minute Vicente Hernández, El Valencianet, headed Safont’s cross, and keeper Pérez held firm.

On 1 June 1972 a packed Castalia staged the decider against Mallorca. Clares played through injury and Planelles led the line. He headed a Cela cross for 1-0 in the 53rd minute, a pitch invasion paused play, then Tonín scored straight from a corner for 2-0 to crown the club’s 50th year with 50 points and 50 goals.

Promotion returned on 17 May 1981 at Castalia against Rayo Vallecano. Needing victory, Planelles converted a penalty won by Ribes, and Roberto made it 2-0 in the 82nd minute. The final whistle sparked another pitch invasion.

The fourth rise came as Segunda champions, clinched in Burgos before the finale. Luiche’s homegrown group surged after a quiet first half, losing only two and turning Castalia into a fortress. Pepe Mel supplied goals, Bonhoff stiffened the defence and Emilio excelled, before a packed Castalia celebrated with a 6-0 against Castilla.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo