What is happening to Castellón? Five reasons for their sudden slowdown | OneFootball

Castellón’s form has nosedived, from leaders to at risk of losing automatic promotion in two weeks. One point from nine has left top spot vulnerable pending Almería v Cultural Leonesa on Monday, 9 March 2026 at 20.30, with 13 games remaining.

El Periódico Mediterráneo highlights five recurring problems across defeats to Racing de Santander and Real Sociedad B.

Both games, 1-3 and 4-2, became end to end, loosening control in midfield for Beñat Gerenabarrena and Diego Barri. Despite 64% and 67% possession, weak transitions after loss of the ball allowed 12 and 17 shots. Repeated lapses hurt, including three conceded in 25 minutes to the LaLiga Hypermotion leaders.

Profligacy compounded it. There were 15 attempts for one goal against Racing, and 23, eight on target, for two in Zubieta. Fabrizio Brignani struggled in both starts, and even Romain Matthys might have done more for Real B’s 1-0.

Line-up churn and contentious officiating did not help. A stamp on Cala in minute eight and a VAR reversal of a penalty on Brian Cipenga after a technical blackout shaped Zubieta.

Suspensions are biting too, Jérémy Mellot and Lucas Alcázar missed Donostia, and Salva Ruiz will miss El Molinón. Several direct rivals have outscored Castellón across the past three rounds, compressing the top six.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo