CD Castellón mark 53 years since 1973 final, first without Lucien Muller | OneFootball

On 29 June, CD Castellón mark 53 years since their Copa del Generalísimo final of 1973, the club’s standout milestone. It is the first 29 June without Lucien Muller, the coach who died in January aged 91.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the date carries a special poignancy this year. On 29 June 1973 at Madrid’s Vicente Calderón, Castellón faced Athletic Club in their only Copa final, losing 2-0 to goals from Arieta II and Zubiaga.

Muller’s 1972-73 side were far more than surprise finalists. Under his direction they produced a landmark Primera División campaign and a cup run that put the club on the national map.

The starting XI that night featured Corral, Figueirido, Cela, Babiloni, Óscar, Ferrer, Tonín, Del Bosque, Clares, Planelles and Félix, with Ortuño and Cayuela off the bench. Athletic, coached by Milorad Pavic and with Iribar in goal, proved decisive.

A former Real Madrid and Barcelona footballer, Muller became one of Castellón’s defining managers and the man with the most first-team games. His legacy is entwined with the club’s competitive leap and that journey to the capital.

More than half a century on, 1973 remains shorthand for pride and belonging among the city and its supporters. This anniversary doubles as a quiet tribute to Muller. In 2018, RTVE dedicated a Vintage episode to CD Castellón.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo