Match Report: UD San Sebastián de los Reyes 2-2 Real Madrid Castilla

As discussed with Kristofer McCormack during the last Castilla podcast, this years play-off race has been thrilling to follow on paper, but the opposite when it comes to actually playing out the games. Castilla were one place behind the play-offs chasing the dream with four games to go. On the weekend they faced the worst team in the play-off run, UD San Sebastián de los Reyes. SS Reyes were down in eighth place, and anything but a win would see their hopes burnt out. Castilla were in a similar situation, but results elsewhere meant that a draw would be fine to keep them ticking. Manolo Díaz again went with an alternative line-up, fielding both Dani Gómez and Cristo González, but this time fielding Cristo as a winger. Jorge De Frutos made up the front three, with a midfield three of Álvaro Fidalgo, Jaime Seaone and Martín Calderón behind them.

It immediately became apparent that this game would break the mould that we have become accustomed to. Rather than a slow-paced borefest, the game opened up from the first minute. This was likely because both teams needed these points to keep their ambitions firmly achievable. The game was still there for the taking for Castilla, but four minutes in things became hard as the hosts volleyed past Luca Zidane after a well worked attacking move. Castilla marched on though, and were level eight minutes later as Cristo González played in Jorge De Frutos. who gave Dani Gómez a tap-in to eat up. Castilla were then piling the pressure on the SS Reyes box in search of a lead, but instead Luca Zidane handed the hosts the advantage again. He flopped the ball into the head of an attacker right on half time to put Castilla’s season in jeopardy.

The second half started off slow, and the game reverted back to the usual Segunda B standard. This was perfect for SS Reyes who had a lead to protect. When the game is this slow, it looks impossible to score. Both teams became uninspired, but luckily and with a bit of quality on a Jaime Seaone delivery - Castilla found the net via an own goal. It went in off of the defenders chest, but there were no complaints from Madrid who were back in the game. For the last segment of the game the pace was raised again, and Castilla had chances to score the winner and enter the play-off’s again. In the end, the game finished 2-2.

On the programme I use to generate the league scores and table, Castilla are back in fourth place, and in the play-off zone on goal difference despite the draw. They overtook Pontevedra, who lost 3-0 on the same day. However, I have a suspicion that Segunda B follows the La Liga system of head to head. Pontevedra bopped Castilla 3-0 when they played earlier in the season, meaning that Castilla would remain in fifth place with it all to do. Either-way, Castilla will play Pontevedra on the final day - adding to the already exciting run on paper. For that to be competitive they will need to win the two games prior, and next up comes the visit of mid-table side Coruxo. Coruxo’s season may be over now, but they still beat Castilla 2-1 last time out - so it won’t be an easy game. Man of the match for this one was Cristo González who led the front line well despite finishing without a goal. His new found play maker role paid off as he strung together some vital passes, one of which led to the first goal. Luca Zidane has now had two stinkers in two games, but he won’t get dropped so never mind.

Goals: Gómez and an Own Goal.

Assists: De Frutos and Seaone.

MOTM: González.