CD Teruel play out a goalless draw against CD Castellón B at Pinilla (0-0)

CD Teruel played their third friendly of pre-season at Pinilla on Saturday, drawing 0-0 with CD Castellón B, a quality opponent who tested the team from start to finish. A third fitness test, more positive conclusions and valuable minutes shared across the whole squad ahead of the league opener.

Kiko Ramírez continued to try out variations. In the starting eleven, Zarco kept goal; Nathaniel Nicholas and Álvaro López formed the centre-back pairing, with Joserra and Andrés Borge at full-back; Hugo Redón, Relu and Sander Ballero shared midfield duties; and up front came a completely renewed line with Guzik, Muzik and Goyo Medina, who played on the left flank, his most natural position.

The first half was evenly matched against a reserve side that plays brave football. Zarco responded superbly whenever called upon, with up to three fine saves, and the rojillos created danger from set pieces late in the half, including a great individual action by Sander Ballero that forced Biarge into a top save.

After the restart, the coach refreshed the entire team: Lluís Llácer, Relu, Pablo Felipe and Borikó made up the back line; Albisua and Miguel Romera took over in midfield; and Edu Gallardo, Mario Sesé and Sergio Moreno led the attack. The team gained order and presence in the opposition half and had the clearest chances of the game through Moreno, Sesé and Gallardo, under heavy rain that tested both sides' concentration.

The one downside of the evening was Sander Ballero's withdrawal with discomfort after an awkward step, when he was enjoying a fine performance. The club is confident he will recover soon. Academy player Carlos Igual came on in his place and showed flashes of quality, while Borikó also contributed important minutes, very lively down his flank.

The team continues its preparation with eyes already on the next pre-season fixture: this Tuesday 12 August against Valencia Mestalla at the Paterna training ground (6:00 pm). Thank you, once again, to the fans who backed the team at Pinilla. Vamos Teruel!