CD Mensajero 2-2 Real Madrid Castilla

Castilla were on a terrible run. 2 wins in 8 games had put their play-off bid to a stand still. They had not won away from home all season, yet somehow were lucky enough to remain within 4 points from a play-off place. The team has shown signs of promise and should be right up there in the thick of it, but recently they just cannot get into their feet. For this week’s fixture, they made the long trip to CD Mensajero. Mensajero play at the beautiful hillside Santa Cruz stadium, a perfect setting for Castilla to claim their first away win of the season...

The first half was pretty indecisive. Both teams struggled to get out of first gear, and very few chances were created. This did change towards the end of the half however as, surprise surprise, Mensajero opened the scoring with a header finding the net from a corner. Castilla ended the half on a shaky note, and could be considered lucky to only go into the break 1-0 down.

Castilla came out from the break a different side, and attacked from the off. The intensity was high, so it wasn't much of a shock to anyone when Castilla equalized through Víctor Campuzano. Fede Valverde drove forwards and found Campuzano, who unleashed a fabulous effort in off the bar to score his first goal for the club. Castilla were on the front foot now, and began the search for a winning goal. This game had more shocks to give however, as a cross came in for Mensajero to head home another beauty. 2-1 down and Castilla could not catch a break.

Nikos Vergos and Cristian Cedrés then came on for Campuzano and Díaz, and made an instant impact. Castilla piled on the pressure until late on when Ødegaard found Achraf, whose deflected cross allowed Nikos Vergos to tap home! 2-2. Could Castilla find a late winner? In short, no. Well, in fairness they came very close through Vergos and Ødegaard, but they just couldn't get the ball in the back of the net, and the game finished 2-.2.

So the winless run continues. 2 wins in 9 games now - still no away win and yet another 2 points lost. It is getting to the point where Castilla no longer deserve to be in the play-offs. As we approach the half way point of the season, Castilla's form must significantly improve. If it does, then anything is possible. If not, then it could be a really poor season for Castilla. Their next game is the biggest of the season so far, as they host group leaders Albacete. This is the last game before Christmas and will mark the half way point of the season, so the result could potentially tell us a lot about what is to come. Man of the match today goes to Achraf who was a star both in attack and defence. Tune in next week for all the low down on the big game!

—

Goals: Campuzano, Vergos

Assists: Valverde, Achraf

MOTM: Achraf