Three takeaways from Castilla’s season opening win

After much uncertainty and two podcasts on the league’s confusing new structure, Castilla got their Segunda B campaign underway with a 2-1 win away to Las Rozas. First half goals from Hugo Duro and Miguel Gutierrez were enough to secure all three points despite being down to 10 men for the last 15 minutes.

Here are three quick takeaways from the game. We will have more in the podcast to come.

An away win

There was alot of things to marvel about Raul’s success in the UEFA Youth League last season. Fewer statistics stood out more than that he managed to secure a clean sweep of regular time victories in Switzerland despite only managing one away win during the entire regular season at home. Las Rozas was one of the many venues Castilla drops point at last season and the contrast in performances from last season to Sunday’s game was striking.

The likes of Blanco and Marvin have clearly progressed their game massively since last year with the latter involved in both goals. Park was a player who provided plenty of energy last season but lacked end product, so seeing him finish this game with an assist and a hockey assist is really encouraging.

From Raul’s perspective, his side pressed well and managed to keep Las Rozas to minimal chances at goal for 75 minutes. Pablo Ramon’s sending off meant Castilla had to hold on to finish the game, however, they showed a grit that last season’s team lacked away. Given how tight this season’s promises to be, seeing Castilla get off to a perfect start is really encouraging.

Hugo Duro

Sam Sharpe has been particularly high on Castilla’s star transfer this summer and based off his performance today, his excitement was justified. Raul prefers a tall, physical forward and he has just that with Hugo Duro. Like Pedro Ruiz, Duro towers over his opponents and is a body builder compared to most of his teammates, traits the former Getafe forward put to good use against Las Rozas. He started with a goal today and is a much more proven goalscorer at this level than Ruiz.

Duro could have had more than one in the second half and remained a dominant presence throughout the game. Despite just 90 minutes on the board, he’s looks clearly like Castilla’s best forward and this surely won’t be the last time we see him on the scoreboard.

Defensive depth to be tested early on.

One concern with this squad was the lack of depth in defence with just one obvious backup available. With Pablo Ramon’s suspension for the next match, that defensive depth looks set to be tested early on.

Right back Sergio Santos looks is the obvious choice to replace Pablo Ramon as he has been deployed across the backline during his career. Guillem would then replace Santos at right back. Raul deployed a three at the back system on Sunday that looked quite promising, however, if he’s unable to replace Ramon in the squad, he will have to adapt his system early on.