Castilla recorded their third win of the pre-season after defeating Ibiza at the Alfredo Di Stéfano in a thrilling match, coming from behind with a superb team goal in the first half finished off by Rachad, who now has five goals in pre-season, and another from Loren Zúñiga in stoppage time.
There was a high intensity from the start, with both teams looking to establish control of the game by pressing high up the pitch. The visitors took the lead in the 10th minute with a goal from Davo from a rebound after a fine Fran González save from Del Pozo’s shot from inside the area. Far from letting their heads drop, Arbeloa’s side reacted by playing their best football.
The play
In the 17th minute, Castilla produced a masterpiece to equalise. Miguel Ángel, Roberto and Cestero linked up in midfield with a series of quick combinations to thread a through ball to Rachad. The striker outpaced two defenders and rounded goalkeeper Belman before applying a perfect finish to score his fifth goal of the pre-season. Ibiza could have regained the lead before half-time, but Fran González prevented them again with two stunning saves from Bebé and Ernesto.
Another great goal seals the comeback
The second half continued in the same vein. Paco Jémez’s side created the most danger, but they were always thwarted by the exceptional Fran González, who was faultless in the air and confident between the sticks. Another save denied Mounir in the 54th minute. Castilla tried their luck with a shot from inside the area by Roberto in the 88th minute, which was deflected by a defender. And just when it looked like the game was heading for a draw, our team scored the winning goal in the 92nd minute. Lamini cleared the ball with his head, but it ended up being a pass that left Loren Zúñiga unmarked. In a one-on-one with the visiting goalkeeper, the Madrid number 9 beat him with a masterful volley to make it 2-1 and complete a fantastic comeback. Next Friday, the team will face their final pre-season test against Alcorcón (11:00 CEST Realmadrid TV).
MATCH INFO:
2-Castilla: Fran González, Fortea, Joan Martínez, Lamini, Diego Aguado, Cestero, Manuel Ángel, Roberto, Yáñez, Bruno and Rachad. Also played: Pol Fortuny, Castrelo, Cristian David, Valdepeñas, D. Jiménez and Loren Zúñiga.
1-Ibiza: Belman, Sergio Díez, Nacho, Del Pozo, Bebé, Davo, Gallar, Fran Castillo, Indias, Mounir and Ernesto. Also played: F. Vico, Glazer, Sofiane, Plugiese, Matteo and Albert.
Goals
0-1 (min. 10): Davo.
1-1 (min. 17): Rachad.
2-1 (min. 92): Loren Zúñiga.