Real Madrid Castilla 2-0 Sestao River Club

Castilla - who played well despite the loss in their last match - were looking to bounce back from a disappointing result at Barakaldo, but continue a good run of performances. This week they had numerous players return to the squad, and were playing host to Sestao River Club, who were in the relegation zone.

Straight away it became obvious that, much like Castilla mid-week, Sestao had come with a set plan of action to try and stop Castilla's attacking play. They pressed constantly and doubled up on certain playmakers like Díaz and Ødegaard. This tactic worked very well and resulted in a pretty dull half of football, which is exactly what Sestao wanted - but not good for the fans or the on-looking Zinedine Zidane who was in the stands. Apart from a first minute opportunity squandered by Vergos, Castilla created little in the half. Sestao were probably even the better team in the first 45 and made more opportunities.

Something desperately needed changing. Enzo and Ødegaard were too quiet out wide, whilst Vergos and Díaz couldn't put away the few chances they had. However, the team came out unchanged. The play was very different, though. Castilla looked much brighter from the off, and two minutes into the half, Achraf drove forward and played a great ball into Díaz, who rounded the keeper and finished nicely. Castilla got the goal they really needed to go 1-0 up! From this moment, the game exploded, and a period of end-to-end play began. Sestao definitely should have scored but luckily for Castilla, they missed all of their chances, including an open goal. Castilla didn't look too much better at the other end, being unable to add to their lead but for an offside Achraf goal. Abner sadly had to come off with an injury, as well as Vergos, with Tejero and Muñoz coming on in their place. This extra midfielder payed off, relieving the pressure and giving Febas and Valverde more breathing space.

Just as Sestao were searching for an equalizer, Enzo rescued an over-hit through ball with a slide tackle, and it fell to Ødegaard who couldn't miss from there! 2-0: Game, set, and match. From then on, Castilla looked a whole lot more comfortable, with Ødegaard coming into the game more and more. He could of had a second, but instead of being selfish, chose to attempt to square the ball to Díaz. After a few spells of good possession, and some more failed Sestao chances, Castilla managed to close the game out to end it 2-0.

Thought now turns to Abner and his injury, which we hope is only minor and that he will be back soon. Man of the match goes to Achraf, who put on a fine display of defending, and even turned out to be the unlikely source in attack which broke the deadlock for Castilla! Top performance by him and the rest of the team. After 3 games in 8 days, Castilla now have a break and will return next week when they travel to Arenas de Getxo.

Goals: Díaz, Ødegaard

Assists: Achraf, Enzo

MOTM: Achraf