Levante claimed bragging rights in a lively pre-season friendly against Castellon, running out 3-1 winners in a match that showcased their attacking sharpness ahead of the new campaign.

The friendly, played under the banner of the International Club Friendly series, pitted two Spanish sides from different tiers against each other. Levante, the more established club with recent top-flight pedigree, demonstrated their superiority with a fluid first-half display and never looked back after taking an early lead.

Match Overview

Castellon started brightly and even took the initiative in the opening exchanges, but Levante's quality showed as they began to dominate possession. The first goal came from a swift counter-attack, with a clinical finish from inside the box. Levante added a second before the break thanks to a well-taken free-kick, leaving Castellon with a mountain to climb.

Key Moments

• Levante's opener: A 14th-minute breakaway ended with a composed finish past the advancing goalkeeper.
• Second goal: A beautifully struck set-piece in the 38th minute curled over the wall and into the top corner.
• Castellon's consolation: A second-half penalty gave the hosts a lifeline, but Levante restored their two-goal cushion almost immediately.

Tactical Story

Levante set up in an attacking 4-2-3-1, with creative midfielders tasked with finding space between the lines. Their pressing was aggressive and forced Castellon into multiple errors. Castellon, operating in a 4-4-2, struggled to retain possession and relied on long balls toward their strikers, a strategy that produced little reward until the late penalty.

Standout Players

Levante's number 10 was the standout performer, pulling the strings in midfield and registering a goal and an assist. The left-back also impressed, bombing forward at every opportunity and delivering the cross for the opening goal. For Castellon, their experienced centre-forward worked tirelessly but received limited service.

Season Impact

For Levante, this friendly was another step in building cohesion ahead of a competitive campaign. The result will boost morale and provide head coach with plenty of positives. Castellon, meanwhile, will use the defeat as a learning exercise, focusing on defensive shape and ball retention as they continue their pre-season preparations.