Castellón face Málaga in Primera RFEF opener

⚔️​ Málaga CF📍Castalia ⏰​ 26.08.2023, 21:30 (CET)

Football is back, three words any fan wants to hear, especially when the first game is already one of the most important. The Albinegres welcome Málaga to Castalia intent on starting off the Dick Schreuder era with a win, and making an early statement in a season where the clear goal from the outset is promotion.

After a preseason of mixed results, with wins over Al-Arabi and Levante, but losses to Nastic, Cornellá and Albacete, the time for building fitness is over and the serious stuff can now begin. It will also be the first opportunity to summer signings to make an impact, with the likes of striker Sebastian Grønning, forward Miguel Falé and Haris Medunjanin all likely to play a role. Midfielder Moyita who arrived from Alcoyano is suspended, and Castellón’s first summer signing Gonzalo Crettaz is likely to start in goal, but he faces competition from American Brian Schwake, who joined from Livingston.

Manager Dick Schreuder said he expects a high-paced game, with Málaga being relegated from LaLiga 2 last year and keen to start quickly and bounce back. The Andalucian team has seen a number of important departures, but also the arrival of attacking midfielder Luca Sangalli from Cartagena and Juan Hernández from Mirandés among others.

Castellón’s only players certain to miss out being young star Jeremy de Leon who is still recovering from injury and Moyita who is suspended, with the rest being confirmed tomorrow morning. It will be a late kick off at Castalia due to the hot temperatures, with the game only starting at 21:30.

For Dick Schreuder’s full press conference (and my questions!) see below: