Mabil returns to Cádiz with a point to prove as Castellón's form man
Former Cádiz winger Awer Mabil returns to the Nuevo Mirandilla in fine form with high-flying Castellón, looking to strengthen their promotion push in Segunda División.
Mabil returns to Cádiz with a point to prove as Castellón’s form man
The Australian international who barely made a ripple during his brief Cádiz stint is back at the Nuevo Mirandilla - this time as a key player in Castellón’s red-hot promotion charge.
Castellón riding high
Pablo Hernández’s Castellón side have been absolutely mustard lately, collecting an impressive 19 points from their last 21 available. They’re looking more solid than the Bank of England in their push for a playoff spot, arriving in the ‘Silver Cup’ (as Cádiz is affectionately known) with serious momentum.
Mabil has been integral to this purple patch, contributing one goal and three assists in Segunda División this season. The Aussie winger has become one of the most dynamic threats in Castellón’s potent attack, most recently setting up a goal in their victory against Mirandés.
The Cádiz connection
Mabil’s history with Cádiz makes for interesting reading. He arrived as something of an unknown quantity and despite apparently getting on well with the supporters, he made virtually no impact on the pitch during his time in yellow:
- Just 5 appearances (4 in La Liga, 1 in Copa del Rey)
- Departed in winter for Czech football in search of minutes
- Later rebuilt his career in Switzerland with Grasshopper before Castellón came calling
”A special match”
Speaking to media before the match, Mabil acknowledged the significance of facing his former employers: “It’s a special match because it was my first club in Spain.”
However, he didn’t sugar-coat his experience, admitting things didn’t exactly go according to plan during his Cádiz days. With typical honesty, he added that he harbors “no resentments” despite the difficult spell, though he wouldn’t mind finding the net against his old team.
For Castellón, a win would cement their position in the promotion playoff spots, while for Mabil personally, it represents a chance to show Cádiz supporters what they missed out on - the version of himself that’s currently tearing up the Segunda División.
The bigger picture
While one player’s return narrative adds spice to the fixture, the bread and butter is what’s at stake in the league table. Castellón are looking to close out 2025 by strengthening their promotion credentials, while Cádiz will be determined not to let an ex-player come back to haunt them.
Either way, it’s a proper Christmas cracker to end the calendar year at the Nuevo Mirandilla.