Saturday’s game against Real Murcia at Castalia will be the first time the teams have played each other in a league game in 12 years. The result back in 2010 was a 1-1 draw, in the Segunda Division. However the special relationship between the two sides, especially the fans, goes back much further and makes for one of the best atmospheres whenever they meet. Indeed, Real Murcia are the side that Castellón has played the most over the course of its 100 year history, no less than 64 times.
It all started in 1994, according to Alberto Aicart, the president FEDPECAS, the Castellón supporters group association, when the Frente Orellut, one of the founding members of the association, got friendly with the people from Murcia. It blossomed from there, and has been on display at various moments throughout the years.
In 2018, when Castellón got promoted from the fourth tier at Portugalete, the fan zone at Castalia was full of Real Murcia fans. Later that year, when Murcia found themselves in financial difficulties, Castellón fans stepped up and organised a paella to raise money for the players and the staff. They were striking at the time over unpaid wages, and the gesture from the Orellut fans was recognised across Spanish football.
Given this unique history, the attendance at Castalia this weekend is expected to break the 10,000 mark, which would be a first for this season. The visitors have sold out their ticket allocation, and have been buying tickets for the home section, which should make for a special atmosphere with fans of both clubs side by side. It’s rarer and rarer nowadays to see two sets of fans have such a good relationship with one another, and Castellón and Real Murcia are the perfect example of clubs bucking the trend.
It should be a great game on the pitch too, with Castellón in first place and Real Murcia only five points behind in fourth. The Albinegres will want to come back from their defeat against Gimnastic last time out, while Murcia have the chance to close the gap at the top and solidify their place in their playoff spots. The visitors’ side boasts veteran Pedro León, who returned to the club this season after a long career playing at LaLiga level. As for Castellón, Dani Romera is still an injury doubt after not starting the last game, so we could see Fabricio or Raul Sanchez once again playing as Castellón’s number nine.