Palacios strike gives Castilla second consecutive win

Real Madrid Castilla secured another three points at the Alfredo Di Stéfano. The academy team beat Pontevedra on matchday seven of the Primera Federación and keep climbing the table. Palacios, who has scored three goals in two games, netted the winner in the first half. Arbeloa's side had chances to increase their lead and held firm against the visitors' pressure in the closing stages to secure their second consecutive league win.

Pontevedra went close after three minutes through Abelenda, who had a shot from outside the area that Javi Navarro saved comfortably. Castilla responded in the 19th minute. Loren Zúñiga received the ball on the edge of the area and, after a fantastic piece of skill to beat several defenders, played a superb pass to Palacios, who made no mistake when one-on-one with the keeper, with a delicate chip. The goalscorer almost doubled the lead eight minutes later with a left-footed shot that was parried by Marqueta. Castilla were dominant and, in the 35th minute, Joan Martínez hit a volley that the opposition goalkeeper kept out with a great save (35'). The Madridistas merited a second goal, but the half-time whistle blew with the score at 1-0.

Castilla hold onto lead
After the restart, Castilla continued to dominate proceedings. Five minutes into the second half, Loren Zúñiga almost scored after receiving a fine pass into space, but Marqueta diverted his shot and the defence cleared the rebound off the line. The Real Madrid forward kept pressing and, after an hour of play, controlled a ball in the area but was unable to get a decent shot away as he was blocked by Eimil. In the final minutes, the visitors pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Arbeloa's side held on to their 1-0 lead to secure their second consecutive victory.

MATCH INFO:
1-Castilla: Javi Navarro, D. Jiménez (Mario Rivas, 84’), Joan Martínez, Valdepeñas, Manu Serrano, Cestero, Manuel Ángel (Lezcano, 84’), Roberto (Pol Fortuny, 70’), G. Castrelo (Yáñez, 55’), Palacios, Loren Zúñiga (Bruno Iglesias, 70’).
0-Pontevedra: Marqueta, Eimil, Miki, Alain (Selma, 75’), Brais (M. Denia, 90’), Yelko, Miguel Cuesta (Álex Glez., 54’), Vidorreta (Luisão, 54’), Garay, Montoro, Tiago.
Goals
1-0 (min. 19): Palacios.