Match Report: Internacional 2-1 Real Madrid Castilla

With Castilla placed firmly within the play-off space just two matches ahead of the last ten game stint, it was important that the youngsters picked up a result in one of those two games to ensure a strong position worth fighting for. The very short trip to Madrid based Internacional was an excellent opportunity to seal that much needed win, but after they could only muster up a 1-1 draw it was going to be no easy task. There were some slight changes to the line-up this week, as Martín Calderón was given a chance in midfield. Luca Zidane started again, with a strong partnership of Manu Hernando and Javier Sánchez deployed in-front of him.

The game was being played out on an artificial turf, which always seems to bear a frustrating watch. There were plenty of quality touches and moments on show, but they were often met with scrappy battles to win back the ball. It was a pretty passing sequence that gave Castilla the opening goal, as Cristo González combined with Dani Gómez before finishing low past the keeper. The hosts equalised on the stroke of half time through a headed effort off of the back of a cross. The second Internacional goal came right after the second half started, and although it was a well worked move by the forward, the defending in attempt to prevent it was pretty bad. The attacker wormed through almost unchallenged before slotting over Luca Zidane. Castilla had plenty of chances to get back into the game, and even found the net as Dani Gómez found the net but the referee judged it to be offside. The Castilla pressure towards the end was heavy, but in true recent Real Madrid style, some very strong chances were all squandered to confirm the 2-1 defeat.

So Real Madrid Castilla lose, but remain in the play-off spot. It has become very close however, with the whites sitting only one point ahead of fifth placed Ponferradina. Next week they play Celta Vigo B who sit in a similar position to Internacional. This is again a very good opportunity to create a clear objective ahead of the last ten games, but it also is the last one. The main reason I think it’s so important that Castilla begin the final run in the play-off’s, is that I feel it would be better for the players to hold the opportunity in their own hands, and defend something they can see - rather than to be outside of the play-off’s chasing something and relying on results elsewhere. If Castilla are in the play-off places after round 28, then it will swiftly become a realistic aim for the team to achieve come the end of the season. Man of the match was a tough one today after a bland performance individually from many, but Cristo González takes the biscuit for leading the line very effectively and looking a danger throughout. Can Castilla keep that play-off place intact next week? We will see...

Goal: González.

Assist: Gómez.

MOTM: González.