On September 12, 2026, at 18:30, Girona and Castellón face each other at Montilivi in the 5th round of Segunda/LaLiga Hypermotion. Castellón arrives as the division's only unbeaten leader, having conceded just one goal in four matches and taken 10 points from a possible 12. Girona entered the match in 5th place with 7 points from four games, making this a direct test of both teams’ promotion hopes.
Castellón is off to its best start to a Segunda season in the 21st century and now faces one of the league’s most ambitious teams. Girona, led by Quique Álvarez, has turned a shaky start into a confident run. The end of the transfer window settled internal questions, and the team has focused on results. Its recent win over Sporting de Gijón helped put talk of crisis behind it and showed Girona is aiming higher.
Asprilla has stepped up as a leader on the field, while new arrival Carles Pérez has made an immediate impact. Girona will be without Portu, Unai Hernández and Jastin for this match, but the squad’s depth remains a strength as the team looks to maintain its momentum.
Castellón coach Pablo Hernández has reasons to be confident, too. Chequerini, Kostis and Jakobsen are available after training with the group; only Fabri is missing. Hernández has called Girona one of the best teams in the division, but says Castellón’s strong start shows it can compete with anyone.
Both teams have handled pressure so far, but Montilivi will demand more than confidence. The winner will take three points and send a message to the rest of the league. Several independent league previews have identified the match as a basic early test of both teams’ promotion ambitions.
Recent seasons in Spanish football have shown how early momentum can shape the promotion race. In Segunda, consistency and squad management often determine who stays in contention as the season progresses.
Girona’s renewed form and Castellón’s defensive record make this match an early marker in the promotion battle. The tactical decisions of Quique Álvarez and Pablo Hernández will draw close attention as both teams try to move up. One side will leave Montilivi with its ambitions strengthened; the other may need to reconsider what it takes to reach the top.
