CD Castellon chase LaLiga promotion after 35 years away as pro gambler’s data-led approach transforms club

While the eyes of football turn to the World Cup, CD Castellon are trying to make history. Spain’s second-tier play-offs are ongoing and the prize of a place in LaLiga awaits the winner. For Castellon, it would end a 35-year absence from the top division.

In more ways than one, they are the play-off outsiders. Las Palmas are attempting to go straight back up. Almeria, Castellon's semi-final opponents, came down in 2024. Malaga were seconds away from a Champions League semi-final as recently as 2013.

But it is the way that Castellon are doing it that really makes them different. Bought by Haralabos Voulgaris in 2022, this Greek-Canadian entrepreneur who made his fortune as a gambler and tasted success in basketball, is trying to pull off the trick in football.

Voulgaris' data-led approach has already lifted Castellon from the third tier. His six-year plan is for the club based just up the coast from Valencia to reach LaLiga, so they are ahead of schedule if they can build on a first-leg draw against Almeria and win the final.