One heartbeat can steer a 90‑minute duel, a tenth of a second separating glory from disappointment. When a ball threads a decisive touch or slips past a desperate tackle, a single goal can crown a moment or leave the defense untroubled. In this match, a pivotal moment redirected the flow of play and reshaped the standings in Primera RFEF Group 2.
Eldense had sheltered a seven‑game unbeaten run, appearing ready to climb the table after a difficult spell. Castellón, meanwhile, built momentum with a hard‑won victory that closed the gap to a single point and nudged ahead on goal difference, underscoring how slim margins can tilt a season that stays intensely competitive.
The contest remained tightly contested from the opening whistle until a defining moment emerged. Both sides traded set plays and high‑tempo sequences, each pressing for a breakthrough. Castellón opened the scoring when De Miguel threaded a precise inside pass to Suero, who found himself one‑on‑one with Vallejo. The moment slowed as Álex Martínez attempted to disrupt the run and clipped the forward near the edge of the box, sending him to the turf. The whistle stayed silent on a potential penalty, but Eldense were dealt another blow as a direct red card flashed for the challenge on Suero.
With Deportivo’s ranks temporarily exposed, a penalty could have altered the course, yet the referee’s decision stood. Cristian tucked the ball cleanly from the edge of the area, bending narrowly past Vallejo and into the post as Castellón moved in front with about an hour on the clock.
Intercity had struck first, and after a brief reshuffle that restored Diego González and Núñez to their original roles, Correia found space in midfield during the first substitution window. Eldense struggled to regain balance after the setback, while Castalia began to dictate tempo, tightening their grip on central areas and forcing the visitors into defensive shapes.
Vallejo redeemed himself after an early misstep in the 1‑0 draw by denying Raúl Sánchez and keeping Eldense in contention. A targeted switch from the right wing sent Castellón on a dangerous run, and the home side grew more assured as the crowd amplified the atmosphere, lifting a team that pressed with purpose and kept a brisk tempo.
After the break, Eldense reemerged with renewed momentum but failed to convert pressure into clear chances. Castellón stayed compact and disciplined, with Fuentes forcing a long‑range attempt that met solid defense. Kokorashvili, influential after his introduction, seized a loose ball following an aerial duel won by De Miguel and extended the lead with his first touch, a moment that showed how one intervention can shift the narrative of a game.
The storyline shifted again when two months passed and La Nucía mounted a comeback to win 1‑2 against Castellón. Castellón, sitting in third, faced a stubborn Eldense who defended deeply for much of the affair. Álex Martínez had a late sight of goal that did not convert, and the finale unfolded with both sides continuing to push. Castellón’s leadership remained evident as they pressed for a stronger grip on the match, sealing the result through steady control and purposeful attacking intent.
Throughout the match, Raúl Sánchez received a pass and the defense organized a sturdy shield around the play, while Castellón’s forwards executed plans to pressure the goal. Momentum swung as the home side stabilized possession, pressed higher, and aimed to convert the chances they created. The rhythm ebbed and flowed on flashes of individual brilliance, steadfast defending, and timely transitions from both teams.
Final lineups painted a familiar picture: Castellón lined up with Alfonso in goal, a back line of Granero, Antón, Cristian, Suero, and Fuentes, while De Miguel and Raúl Sánchez provided width and creativity. Eldense relied on Vallejo to marshal defense, with a midfield spine built around Diego González and Núñez, and an attacking plan aimed at exploiting space behind Castellón’s pressing. Goals arrived in the 23rd and 65th minutes, settling into a measured rhythm punctuated by occasional moments of danger from both camps.
As the match unfolded, the referee handed cautions to several players and issued a direct red card to a Castellón opponent during the early exchanges. The venue Kastalia added a layer of intensity to the competitive encounter, heightening the stakes in a fixture that mattered for both teams in the pursuit of promotion and regional bragging rights. Citation: Kastalia