1-2: Rachad's Brace Secures Castilla's Victory in Season Opener

Real Madrid Castilla defeated Albacete in the first preseason friendly match, held at the Andrés Iniesta Sports City. Julián López de Lerma's side left a strong impression in their debut against a team from a higher division. Rachad, with a first-half brace, paved the way for our reserve team's victory.

Castilla played an excellent first 45 minutes, showcasing their superiority with a 0-2 score at halftime. They started with high pressing and were well-positioned defensively, with Leiva displaying glimpses of his skill and flair in attack. From the first quarter-hour, López de Lerma's team began to dominate possession and create clearer opportunities. In the 19th minute, Pol Fortuny, who orchestrated much of the team's play early on, won a penalty that Rachad converted for the opening goal. Albacete pushed forward in search of an equalizer but faced a solid Castilla defense, who capitalized on their speed in counterattacks to extend the lead. Just before halftime, Rachad finished off a brilliant counterattack led by Valero.

Castilla Defends the Result
The reserve team maintained control at the start of the second half until a lone play in the 67th minute, when Albacete earned a penalty due to a foul by Mateo on Antonio David, allowing Obeng to narrow the scoreline. In the final stretch, with multiple substitutions on both sides, Castilla defended the result firmly despite the home side's attempts to equalize the match. The next preseason opponent will be RC Deportivo Fabril on Wednesday, August 5, at 7:00 pm, at the Municipal de Cantarrana Kiko Rey stadium.

TECHNICAL DATA
1-Albacete: Marín, Dani B., Antonio David, Javi Moreno, Fran Gámez, Obeng, Velilla, Vidal, Tomás, Morientes, and Diego. Also played: Jota, Gómez, Lorenzo, Pacheco, Ortuño, Víctor, Corpas, Marcos, Álex Rubio, Lluís, Pepe Sánchez, and Vallejo.
2-Real Madrid Castilla: F. Quetglas, Lezcano, Mateo Garrido, Manu Serrano, Sotres, Izan, M. Rezola, Pol Fortuny, Gabri Valero, Rachad, and Á. Leiva. Also played: González, Liberto, Castrelo, Ginés, Carvajal, Cherif, Guille, Roberto, Carlos Diez, Leo, and Luis Paulo.

Goals:
0-1 (min. 19): Rachad, from the penalty spot.
0-2 (min. 45): Rachad.
1-2 (min. 67): Obeng, from the penalty spot.