Match Report: Real Madrid Castilla 3-1 Mariano Luanco

Real Madrid Castilla put in an impressive display on Raul’s home debut, sweeping aside newly promoted Mariano Luanco 3-1 at the Alfredo Di Stefano stadium. Following a disappointing draw in their opening match away to Las Rozas, the manager opted to adjust his lineup for the home game. Diego Altube was unavailable thanks to first team duties so Javier Belman earned his first start of the season. Adrian de la Feunte returned to the starting lineup pairing with Gila at the centre of defence while Javi Hernandez and Sergio Lopez started out wide. Pedro Ruiz started up front while Fran Garcia continued in his experimental new role out on on the wing.

Castilla got off to the worst start possible, Sergio Lopez conceding a penalty after just five minutes. Mariano’s Alex Arias converted from the spot and gave the visitors a shock lead. The hosts dominated affairs from then onward and were level six minutes later, Adrian De la Fuente heading home from a Miguel Baeza free kick.

Castilla’s wide men found plenty of space to create throughout the match and Fran Garcia certainly enjoyed this game a lot more than he did the league opener, combining well with Baeza and creating several chances for the lone striker, Pedro. Despite Garcia’s efforts, it was penalty villain Sergio Lopez who assisted the Pedro’s go-ahead goal. Some great buildup in midfield found the full back on the overlap and his low cross was gratefully converted by the teenager.

From the little sample size we have so far, Raul demands alot of his midfield and defence, asking them to push up and win the ball back out of possession. Tonight, those demands were met to perfection, boxing Mariano in their own half for much of the first 45. Baeza was a standout and was rewarded for his efforts with a goal. The move started with a successful tackle from centre back, Aila, who then played a fantastic defence splitting pass into the feet of the midfielder. Baeza matched his teammate’s pass with an emphatic finish, high into the near post corner.

Castilla could have scored more before the half time whistle, a looping header from Jordi found Pedro in the box, but he couldn’t direct his header on target. Baeza and Fran Garica created another chance for Pedro to grab his second, but his near post shot was well covered by the Mariano defence.

The visitors came out with great energy in the second half and called Belman into three brilliant saves before Raul brought on fresh legs that were able to seal the game for Castilla. Among those substitutes was Marvin Park who came on for Jordi. The 19-year-old was electric off the bench and will certainly have given Raul plenty to think about before next weekend’s meeting with Pena Deportiva.

The win makes Castilla temporary group leaders with their rivals yet to play. All in all, a convincing performance which will ease alot of worries the opening draw caused. Next weekend’s opponent’s were promoted as champions last season making them the most challenging of the promoted teams to face on paper, Nonetheless, Castilla will still be strong favourites to take another three points.

Goals: de la Fuente, Pedro, Baeza

Assists: Baeza, Lopez, Aila

MOTM: Miguel Baeza