Ceuta and Castellón are two professional football clubs that have undergone significant transformation in just over two years.
Looking back to October 15, 2023, during the Primera RFEF era, Castellón visited the Alfonso Murube stadium with a well-structured game plan overseen by Bob Voulgaris, a Greek-Canadian entrepreneur who built his fortune by studying mathematical patterns. On the Ceuta bench sat José Juan Romero, the coach who had masterminded an incredible survival just months earlier, overcoming a 14-point deficit.
Two different approaches, both trending upward. Castellón won 1-3 that day. Only Pedro López, Capa, Airar, and Carlos Redru remain from that Ceuta squad. On the Albinegro side were Manu Sánchez and Cristian Rodríguez, now playing under JJR, along with Raúl Sánchez, another Raúl Sánchez, and Israel Suero (who was called up but didn’t play). The Castellón coach back then was Dutchman Dick Schreuder, who now manages NEC Nijmegen in his home country.
Both clubs have progressed from constant reinvention to a surge in form. It had been 58 years since a team from the autonomous city earned survival in Segunda División. The historic hero was Atlético Ceuta (renamed to AD Ceuta FC in 2013). “In time, people will appreciate what this team is achieving,” club president Luhay Hamido often says.
Despite securing their objective, Ceuta won’t gift anything to a Castellón side whose recent form dipped after a home defeat to traditional rivals Córdoba. However, Castellón remains focused on promotion, either directly or via the playoffs.
Bodiger, Cristian, Youness, Schor, and Bassinga. In the back: Konrad, Carlos Hernández, Pedro López, and Redru.
AD Ceuta’s coach prepares for this match with full motivation to keep competing. Guille Vallejo, the solid goalkeeper at Alfonso Murube, is one game away from reaching 50 appearances. Yann Bodiger may again partner Carlos Hernández in central defense. Bodiger is one of five former Castellón players now wearing Ceuta’s black and white stripes. The others are Manu Sánchez, Cristian Rodríguez, Koné, and Rubén Díez. Both Koné and Díez have uncertain futures: Koné hasn’t responded to a renewal offer, and Díez will join Real Zaragoza at the end of the current league season.
The coach from Gerena can count on Rubén Díez, who has served his suspension, but Anuar is doubtful. Bassinga is out due to yellow card accumulation. Koné continues to struggle with ankle issues, and Marc Domènech will miss the rest of the campaign due to injury.
Marcos, José Juan, Carlos Hernández, and Matos.
AD Ceuta aims for everything. Meanwhile, Castellón will try to avoid back-to-back defeats and secure a victory to stay in the promotion playoff spots for another week, or perhaps close the gap to direct promotion. The white-and-blacks are wary of a Ceuta side that seemingly has nothing left to play for, especially after seeing Córdoba—who also arrived with little at stake—snatch a win at SkyFi Castalia last week.
Pablo Hernández.
MARIANO POZO
Pablo Hernández will welcome back a key midfielder. Diego Barri, having overcome back problems, will travel with the team to Ceuta, aiming to repeat the victory they achieved in Primera Federación during their promotion season. It feels like yesterday.
Castellón’s Pablo Hernández: “These opportunities don’t come around often.”
Ceuta vs Castellón: José Juan Romero: “Castellón is a great team.”
The head-to-head between these two sides is peculiar. Castellón has faced Ceuta…
