Castilla seal their first three points of 2026

Real Madrid Castilla got the better of Arenteiro with a 2-0 win on Primera Federación matchday 18, played at the Alfredo Di Stéfano. The Madrid academy outfit earned a hard-fought victory, as Rachad, making his first appearance for the team after four months out through injury, scored the opener in the 71st minute. Palacios then made sure of the points with 90 on the clock. Despite the visitors’ attempts to level, a superb performance from Fran González kept them at bay, allowing Arbeloa’s men to claim their seventh consecutive home win and their first three points of 2026.

Our team took the initiative early on, but it looked as though Arenteiro had stolen the lead—only for Ochoa’s goal to be ruled out for offside. Castilla responded immediately with a strike from Palacios that hit the crossbar, and moments later Yáñez was clearly brought down in the box by Alpha. Referee Imanol Irurtzun Artola did not point to the spot. Arbeloa called for a review via the FVS (Football Video Support), but after more than four minutes of checking—and despite clear contact—the referee stuck with his decision.

Castilla continued to press on, maintaining positive possession, but the visitors countered with a solid defensive block and intense pressing after losing the ball. Before halftime, Arenteiro raised the tempo and had two chances to score, but Fran González produced brilliant saves on both occasions: first with a strong hand and then with a spectacular stop by sticking out his right boot.

Rachad back fit and on target
The academy side came out with improved intensity after the break. In the 52nd minute, Cestero tried his luck inside the box, but his shot was blocked. As the minutes passed, Madrid rediscovered their rhythm, and in the 58th minute Loren Zúñiga was inches away from getting on the end of a Diego Aguado cross. In the 62nd minute, Arbeloa brought on Rachad for his return from injury after four months out.
The striker would play a decisive role, going on to put the team ahead in the 71st minute. Á. Leiva unleashed a powerful shot that crashed against the post, and Rachad pounced on the rebound, beat his marker with a neat trick, and finished calmly to the keeper’s right. Arenteiro requested an FVS review for a possible foul in the build-up, but the referee ruled the goal would stand after the check.
The visitors pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages, but Fran González produced another outstanding stop, this time denying Eliseo’s header. In the 90th minute, Castilla exploited the spaces left by Arenteiro to double their lead, with Palacios firing home a low shot inside the box after an assist from Rachad. It's the first three points of the year for Real Madrid Castilla, who remain near the top of Primera Federación Group 1 on 31 points.

LINE-UPS
2-Castilla:  Fran González, Valdepeñas (Lamini, 46’), Fortea, Diego Aguado, Liberto (Joan Martínez, 46’), Cristian David (Á. Leiva, 46’), Mesonero, Cestero, Palacios, Yáñez (Pol Fortuny, 80’) and Loren Zúñiga (Rachad, 62’).
0-Arenteiro: Abajas, Löhr, Eliseo, Alpha (Llácer, 66’), Moreno, Val, Bastida, Cuéllar (De Camargo, 56’), González (Adilson, 66’), Ferreiro and Ochoa (Mingo, 56’).
Goals:
1-0 (min. 71): Rachad.
2-0  (min.90): Palacios.