We're Going To Ibiza - An FM Story

UD Ibiza Have Mixed Start to Season

UD Ibiza looked to build on a solid start to their campaig after two clean sheets and 4 points in their opening 2 matches. However, it was a mixed bag of results for L'Eivissa who seem to be hot and cold. Disappointing loses on the road to Murcia and A.Madrid B have some fans questioning whether Castillo was the right man for the job given his relative inexperience as a manager. Despite these poor results away from home, there have been flashes of attacking brilliance and Can Misses with Ibiza putting 5 goals past both Huelva and Cordoba, including a hatrick for experienced striker Alex Gallar against Cordoba.

Despite finishing September on a high, questions remain over Neil Castillo’s appointment. The inexperienced manager has certainly injected flair into the side’s play — as seen in the goal-laden home performances — but defensive frailties and inconsistency on the road have sparked whispers among fans and pundits alike.
"We’re building something here — the highs will come with some growing pains," said Castillo after the Córdoba win. "But I believe in this team, and we’re starting to show why."

With October fixtures looming, UD Ibiza will look to build on their attacking momentum and silence any lingering doubts about their manager’s credentials.


Alex Gallar celebrates his 3rd V. Cordoba

Pressure Mounting On Castillo

A concerned looking Neil Castillo at full time V. Baleares

UD Ibiza's hot and cold form in September has most certainlt turned colder at the start of October. Two poor performances on the road at Merida and a first home defeat of the season against A. Baleares has sparked murmurs around Can Misses with supporters beginning to grow impatient over Neil Castillo's approach.

Despite early goals from on-loan midfielder Ruben Diez in both fixtures, there were disappointing collapses as UD IBiza limped to full time. Castillo's 4-2-3-1 possession based tactics seem to be coming unstuck and there appears to be little in the way of a plan B. One concerned supporter said: "I want to believe in the project, but it's getting harder every week. Castillo might love the club, but passion alone doesn't win matches. Where’s the tactical plan? Where’s the fight? We look lost out there."

UD Ibiza Continue to Run Hot & Cold

5 games in October brought Neil Castillo's Ibiza a chance to bounce back and mount a title charge, but it was one they struggled to take. Ibiza's mixed run of form took a downward turn with 2 back to back defeats leaving L'Eivissa in 12th place. Despite this Castillo was backed by the board who asked for patients from the fans as Neil gets to grips with his side and attempts to turn their fortunes around.

That unwavering support from the board appeared to be repaid by Castillo and his side as they took 7 points from the remaining 3 games in October, with a lot of help from on loan winger Patrik Soko who scored 3 in 3 to end the month. Ibiza have recovered somewhat with the club sitting in 8th just 8 points behind leaders Malaga. Neil Castillo and his squad will look to build on a positive end to the month and use it as a platform to push on as the winter months roll in.


Patrik Soko celebrates his brace V. Algeciras

UD Ibiza See Out November Undefeated

UD Ibiza and Neil Castillo showed a killer instinct and footballing expertise to stabilise their rocky start to the season, with L'Eivissa winning 4 games on the bounce.

Castellon (H)
A first half Alex Gallar hatrick and another goal from Patrick Soko was enough to put Castillon to bed before the second half commenced. Other notable performances included left back Javi Jimenez who provided two assists.

Linares (A)
UD Ibiza put together back-to-back wins for only the second time this season with a nervy 3-2 win away from home. Despite looking comfortable for most of the game, late goals from Linares showed Ibiza's still shaky foundations. Strong performances from Patrick Soko and Ruben Biez were enough for L'Eivissa to return home woth 3 points

Real Madrid B
A hard fought 3 points were earned by the blues as Real Madrid B pushed till full time but an Alex Gallar penalty coupled with strong defensive performances from captain Alberto Escassi and goalkeeper Fabricio ensured Ibiza emerged victotious.

Granada B
Yet another close margin in scoreline but UD Ibiza appear to find their feet and get to grips with Castillo's tactical approach. A hattrick from on-loan center forward Cedric allowed L'Eivissa to finish the month with an outstanding 12 points out of 12.

Neil Castillo Named November Manager of the Month

Interviewer: Neil, congratulations on winning the Manager of the Month award for November. Four wins from four – how does it feel?
Neil Castillo: Thank you, it’s a great feeling. This award isn’t just about me—it’s a reflection of the hard work the players and staff have put in. We’ve come through a tough period, so to string together four wins means a lot.

Interviewer: After a rocky start to the season, did you ever doubt yourself?
Neil Castillo: Of course, there are always moments when you question things. It’s part of the job. But I believed in the process and in the group we have here. We needed time to find rhythm and confidence—and now we're seeing the results.

Interviewer: The team seems to be clicking now. What changed?
Neil Castillo: Time, mostly. We stuck to our principles—possession football, attacking with intent—and the players started to trust each other more. We also made a few tactical tweaks that helped unlock our potential.

Interviewer: What does this award mean for you personally?
Neil Castillo: It’s special. I’m still new to this level, and there were plenty of questions about my appointment. This award doesn’t answer everything, but it shows we’re on the right track. Hopefully it’s just the beginning.

Interviewer: Finally, what’s your message to the UD Ibiza fans?
Neil Castillo: Keep backing us. Your support makes all the difference. We’re building something here—and we want you with us every step of the way. Força Eivissa!