Real Madrid Castilla beat Lugo 2-1 on the opening day of Primera Federación Group I. In Arbeloa’s debut in an official match in charge of Real Madrid’s reserve team, his players were the better side for most of the game. Cestero made it 1-0 in the 55th minute and, four minutes later, Yáñez doubled the lead with a fine left-footed shot from the edge of the area. Lago Júnior scored a consolation in the 74th minute to make it 2-1 by converting a penalty that was reviewed by the new Football Video Support system.
The visitors started strongly and came close to taking the lead in the 5th minute with a shot from Presa that went wide. The game changed as the minutes passed, with our team pressing increasingly higher and forcing mistakes in the opposition’s build-up play. In the 19th minute, Aguado made a good run down the wing, but his cross was cleared by a compact Lugo defense. Then, Cristian Perea tried his luck with a volley in the 24th minute. Before the end of the first half, Fortea made a good individual run into the area, but his shot was blocked by a Lugo defender.
First goal of the championship
After the break, Castilla maintained their intensity and Arbeloa brought on Pol Fortuny. The midfielder was key in putting our team ahead on the scoreboard, whipping in a cross into the box that was met by Cestero to make it 1-0.And before allowing the opposition to react, Castilla made it 2-0 thanks to a wonderful left-footed shot from Yáñez from the edge of the area.
In the 71st minute, the referee awarded a questionable penalty for a foul by Lamini Fati on Balboa. Arbeloa requested a review via the Football Video Support system, which has been implemented this season in the category. However, the referee stood by his decision and Lago Junior scored from the penalty spot to make it 2-1. The Lugo side tried to find an equalizer in the final minutes, but two saves by Fran González in the 82nd and 86th minutes, respectively, were key to our team taking the victory in their league opener.
MATCH INFO
2-Castilla: Fran González, Fortea, Joan Martínez, Lamini, Aguado (Valdepeñas, 68′), Cestero, Cristian Perea (Pol Fortuny, 46′), Manuel Ángel, Yáñez (Loren Zúñiga, 68′), Roberto and Rachad (Manu Serrano, 88′).
1-Lugo: Martínez, López, Trigueros, Amo, D. Caballo, Kevin Presa (Balboa, 62′), Carbonell, Celorio (Alba, 78′), Jorge G. (Pastrana, 62′), Unzueta (Reinero, 84′) and Lago Júnior.
Goals
1-0 (min. 55): Cestero.
2-0 (min. 59): Yáñez.
2-1 (min 74): Lago Júnior, penalty.