Castilla earn victory over Barakaldo

Real Madrid Castilla picked up three hard-fought points in their final match of November with Arbeloa's side overcoming Barakaldo at the Alfredo Di Stéfano on Primera Federación matchday 14. Palacios fired our reserve team ahead before half-time, but the visitors equalised early in the second half. In the 73rd minute, David Jiménez scored the crucial 2-1 goal for Castilla, who finished with nine men but managed to hold on for the win with Fran González playing a key role. The reserve team, who have not lost at home since September, have now won five consecutive home fixtures.

Castilla's first attempt came early on. After three minutes, Yáñez struck a powerful left-footed shot that Ispizua managed to divert wide. The visitors responded in the 15th minute, but Fran González smothered Galarza's header. The Madridistas dominated, but failed to create any clear chances. It wasn't until the 44th minute that the 1-0 came. Thiago and Ávaro Ginés combined perfectly, with the latter slipping a fantastic pass through for Palacios to put our side ahead.

After the break, Barakaldo managed to level matters. Albizua controlled the ball, laid it off to Sabin Merino, who beat Fran González with a low shot (51'). The play was reviewed for a possible handball by Albizua, but the referee stood by his decision. Shortly afterwards, our goalkeeper prevented the visitors from scoring a second goal with a fantastic save from Sabin Merino's header.

The winning goal
With the game wide open and chances for both sides, it was Castilla who took the lead again. Thiago broke forward from midfield, found D. Jiménez who played a sensational ball behind the defence, which the Real Madrid full-back took full advantage of in a one-on-one situation. In the final minutes, Castilla held on to secure the three points despite being reduced to nine men after red cards for Mesonero (90') and Leiva (99'). Fran González made some impressive saves to prevent the equaliser, one in particular a spectacular save from Eric's overhead kick in the dying moments. Castilla continue their winning streak at the Di Stéfano.

MATCH INFO:
2-Castilla: Fran González, D. Jiménez, Joan Martínez, Valdepeñas, Manu Serrano, Cestero, Cristian David (Mesonero, 63'), Thiago, Palacios (Lamini, 92), Yáñez (Leiva, 63') and Álvaro Ginés (Pol Fortuny, 80').
1-Barakaldo: Ispizua, U. Dufur (Borja García, 45'), Ekaitz (Valiño, 75'), U. Naveira, Pedernales, Eric, Arana, Galarza (Huidobro, 75'), Mandiang (J. De León, 45'), San Bartolomé (S. Merino, 40') and U. Albizua.

Goals
1-0 (min. 44): Palacios.
1-1 (min. 51): S. Merino.
2-1 (min. 73): D. Jiménez.