Cultural Seeks to Deliver a Surprise Against Castellón
The run of poor results has left Cultural in a perilous position. Under coach Rubén de la Barrera the side lost to Las Palmas, Almería and Racing. The team has shown progress each game, yet points have not followed.
Cultural seeks momentum and hopes to deliver a surprise, facing Castellón in a tough away fixture. The club sits last in the table. A 13-match winless streak and a nine-point gap to safety underline the urgency.
Squad news and selection questions
De la Barrera will have his full squad available for selection. Stefan Radoja returns after improving from a rib blow. Lucas Ribeiro has accelerated his calf recovery, though minutes remain uncertain.
If Radoja approaches full fitness, he is likely to start alongside Ojeda in midfield. Selection dilemmas remain over Selu, Bicho or Maestre for the other midfield role.
Up front, Collado is a strong candidate after a positive second-half showing against Racing. Tresaco could replace Víctor Moreno, while Badia, Víctor García, Hinojo, Barzic, Rodri, Calero and Chacón are expected to feature.
What victory would mean
A win would end a drought that stretches roughly three and a half months. It would also dramatically alter the club’s immediate outlook. The result could further deepen Castellón’s current crisis.
Castellón form and context
Castellón arrived at this stage in a strong position a month ago. They occupied direct-promotion places then, and still sit in playoff contention now. Their cushion is slim, with only a two-point margin over seventh place at the start of the matchday.
Recent form has dipped. Castellón have taken just one point from their last four matches. They suffered three consecutive defeats, conceding at least three goals in each loss.
- 1-3 vs Racing
- 4-2 vs Real Sociedad B
- 4-1 vs Sporting
Castalia has been a fortress until recently. Before the defeat to Racing, the side had won eight straight home games. Several of those wins were by comfortable margins.
- 2-0 vs Deportivo, Andorra and Leganés
- 4-1 vs Huesca
- 3-1 vs Mirandés
- 1-0 vs Las Palmas; 5-4 vs Real B; 2-1 vs Málaga
Key players and absences
Cala is the team’s standout attacker. He has eight goals and six assists this season. Ousmane Camara matches him in scoring and arrives in strong form, having found the net in three of his last five games.
The midfield is anchored by former Cultural player Diego Barri. Generabarrena brings balance and control. Alberto Jiménez commands a solid defensive unit, aided by effective full-backs.
Castellón face three notable absences. Right-back Mellot is suspended. Winger Cipenga is away with Congo. Awer Mabil is with Australia. Isra Suero, usually an impact substitute, is set to start because of those absences.
This match offers Cultural a rare chance to stop their slide. Castellón remain dangerous, especially at home, but recent fragility and missing players create an opening. Filmogaz.com will monitor the game and the implications for both clubs.
