David Cubillas to take ceremonial kick-off as Castellón host Eibar | OneFootball

Castellón v Eibar will come with added emotion. David Cubillas is to take the ceremonial kick-off at SkyFi Castalia before the 18:30 start, following a season with SD Tarazona.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, supporters are preparing a major welcome for the team coach, with the club using the moment to nod to its recent past by honouring the striker.

Cubillas returned to CD Castellón in summer 2017 when the club were in Tercera División, choosing to drop from Segunda B to back a still unproven project. He struck 21 goals in his first campaign and was pivotal in winning promotion to Segunda B.

He remained influential at that level and delivered in the pandemic-delayed 2020 play-offs, scoring against Peña Deportiva to send Castellón into the final. Soon after, the albinegros were back in professional football after a decade away.

Cubillas endured relegation from Segunda División and some leaner seasons, yet his leadership as captain grew. In June 2023 he headed a dramatic extra-time winner for a 4-3 victory over Deportivo de La Coruña in the semi-finals, though promotion slipped away against Alcorcón days later.

He later moved to SD Tarazona, where he captained the side and, after more than 500 career appearances, recently called time on his career.

The visit of Eibar could put Castellón into the play-off for promotion to Primera División, with a sell-out expected. Cubillas’ return will also serve as a reminder of how far the club have come.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo