Castellón’s hopes of staying in Spain’s Segunda División took another hit after a narrow 3-2 defeat away to Mirandés, despite a late goal from Congolese forward Brian Cipenga.
In a match counting for the 39th round of the championship, Cipenga gave a strong personal performance, netting his side’s second goal in the 87th minute in a determined attempt to claw back a result.
The goal, however, proved insufficient to overturn a 3-1 deficit, and Castellón ultimately left empty-handed.
It was only Cipenga’s second goal of the season, highlighting a campaign in which he has struggled for regular playing time. Since joining the club, the 24-year-old has featured in just 13 matches, limiting his opportunity to make a consistent impact on the team’s fortunes. Nevertheless, his recent form suggests he could yet play a crucial role in Castellón’s final push for safety.
The defeat leaves Castellón in 16th place with 49 points, hovering precariously above the relegation zone. With three fixtures remaining, the club now faces an uphill battle to preserve its status in Spain’s second tier.
According to current projections, they will likely need to win at least two of their final matches to secure survival and avoid being drawn further into the relegation scrap.
Head coach Sergi Escobar now faces a critical week of preparation ahead of the club’s next fixture, a decisive clash against Eldense on Sunday, 18 May.
Castellón will be seeking to not only stop the slide but also build some momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.
The match against Mirandés saw Castellón concede early and struggle to regain control, trailing 3-1 for much of the second half before Cipenga’s late intervention.
The Congolese striker’s goal offered a brief glimmer of hope, but time ran out before the visitors could find an equaliser.
Despite limited appearances, Cipenga has shown flashes of promise, and his ability to make an impact off the bench or when called upon could be vital as Castellón look to grind out results in their remaining matches.
His late goal, taken with composure under pressure, reminded supporters of his talent and could prompt Escobar to give him a more prominent role during the club’s run-in.
For Castellón, the message is clear: every match from this point forward is effectively a cup final. With the bottom half of the table tightly packed, any slip could prove costly.
The team must tighten up defensively while capitalising on the attacking moments they do create—something Cipenga has shown he can deliver when given the opportunity.
The upcoming fixture against Eldense is shaping up to be one of the most important of the season. A win would offer much-needed breathing room and put safety within reach, while anything less could plunge Castellón deeper into danger.
Brian Cipenga’s contribution may have come too late to salvage a result in Mirandés, but it could mark a turning point in his individual season—and potentially in Castellón’s fight for survival.
