Peñíscola Servigroup Takes Command of Spanish Futsal’s Top Division
With just nine days remaining in the regular season, which concludes on Saturday, May 24, Peñíscola Servigroup has emerged as the unlikely leader of Spain’s First Division futsal league. The team from Castellón secured their position at the summit after defeating former leaders Movistar Inter 2-1 in a crucial twenty-first round match.
Peñíscola has established itself as the most prolific attacking force in the competition with 91 goals, averaging 4.3 per game. Along with Barcelona, they have accumulated the most victories (15) this season. Their current tally of 47 points puts them just one point shy of their best-ever historical points total.
A Remarkable Ascension
The team’s achievements this season are particularly impressive considering that less than two years ago, in April 2023, they were celebrating their return to the First Division after spending two seasons in the second tier. Now they find themselves qualified for the Spanish Cup. Competing in the Final Four of the Copa del Rey, and battling to claim the regular season championship.
Their success has been built around several standout performers: Almerian Pani leads the scoring charts with 20 goals, Argentine Luciano Gauna has established himself as one of the league’s most exciting dribblers, and veteran goalkeeper Gus continues to perform at an exceptional level despite being 45 years old.
The Architect of Success
At the helm of this surprising success story is Santiago Valladares, a Galician coach who has transformed the Castellón club into the league’s unexpected leaders. “The opportunity to become leaders by defeating Movistar Inter, in our home and in one of the world’s best leagues, was a dream for us. Well, that dream is now reality,” Valladares stated.
More than 1,000 of Peñíscola’s 8,120 residents regularly fill the Juan Vizcarro pavilion to support their team. The squad has become known as a scoring machine, having netted six or more goals in six different league matches. They’ve also earned a reputation as giant-killers, defeating powerhouses like Movistar Inter, Barcelona, ElPozo Murcia, and Jaén Paraíso Interior.
Playing Style and Philosophy
Peñíscola Servigroup has developed a reputation for their excellent use of court space, disciplined defense, and an attack that combines flair with efficiency—all achieved with a mid-table budget. This isn’t their first time atop the standings this season; they previously led after matchday 12 following eight consecutive victories. However, they experienced a difficult January with a five-match winless streak (three losses and two draws) before recovering with an impeccable February.
“We’ll enjoy this position,” said Valladares, who holds a Chemistry degree from the University of Santiago and previously worked as a teacher. “Perhaps the situation is somewhat surreal, but as long as we don’t wake up from this dream, we’ll keep dreaming. No one can charge us for dreaming.”
When asked about the formula behind Peñíscola’s success, Valladares explained: “There’s tremendous commitment from the team, an incredible degree of solidarity, and exceptional defensive work. In attack, we have players with a lot of talent. The combination of these elements has put us at the top, and we’re enjoying it.”
League Update
The most recent round of matches before a two-week international break saw ElPozo Murcia Costa Cálida defeat bottom-placed Wanapix Sala Zaragoza 10-1, with Brazilian star Ricardinho contributing two goals and four assists. Meanwhile, Jimbee Cartagena and Jaén Paraíso Interior are both experiencing difficult runs—Cartagena hasn’t won since claiming the Spanish Super Cup, while Jaén has collected only 4 points from a possible 24 and has lost Brazilian defender Fer Trindade to a serious knee injury.
Barcelona now sits in second place after defeating Jaén 4-2, while Palma Futsal occupies fourth position with 42 points, ten ahead of fifth place following their 5-2 victory against Córdoba World Heritage. In his debut as coach of Albali Valdepeñas, Álvaro Martínez secured a creditable 2-2 draw against Osasuna Magna. Noia Portus Apostoli moved out of the relegation zone after earning a point in Cartagena (2-2), and ATP Ribera Navarra from Tudela fell to Quesos El Hidalgo Manzanares (3-4).
The competition will resume on March 15, one week before the Spanish Cup tournament in Murcia.
