Castellón’s Primera División play-off, explained in 10 key points | OneFootball

Castellón are four matches from a return to Primera División, last there in 1991. As sixth seeds they play both second legs away and must outscore Almería, then Las Palmas or Málaga if they advance, since ties after 120 minutes favour the higher finisher.

El Periódico Mediterráneo notes that Castellón finished sixth on 72 points, level with Burgos, thanks to 0-0 at El Plantío and 3-1 at SkyFi Castalia. They now meet clubs with bigger budgets, higher salary caps and recent top-flight pedigree.

Their style is non-negotiable and widely recognised. They have scored in 19 straight matches and have led metrics such as expected goals and attacking production.

Over the 42 rounds they came out on top head to head with Almería, Málaga and Las Palmas. Since 2010/2011, sixth place has earned promotion most often, five times.

Almería’s mood appears subdued after Joan Francesc Ferrer, Rubi, spoke following the win over Valladolid, while Castellón carry freedom and ambition. Experience sits elsewhere too, with Las Palmas and Almería in a fifth play-off since 2010/2011, and Málaga in a second.

Almería’s leading threat is 25-goal Sergio Arribas. Rubi could have a full squad, while Castellón will be without Awer Mabil, in Australia’s World Cup list, and Brian Cipenga, with further doubts.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo