Tie at the Di Stéfano against Valencia Mestalla

Real Madrid Castilla refused to give in at the Alfredo Di Stéfano this evening. In their fourth pre-season encounter so far, Arbeloa's boys were behind against Valencia Mestalla, but managed to nick a draw from a corner in the final move of the match. Our academy side enjoyed a dominant first half that lacked only a goal, but fought hard to take a share of the spoils after the break.

The game's best chances fell to Castilla early on. Rachad (3’) had a great opportunity when he got a difficult effort off inside the box, but he was kept out by the opposition goalkeeper. Shortly afterwards, Diego Aguado struck the upright with a decent shot from the edge of the box (5’). The academy side were well on top, and with 20 minutes played, Yáñez came within inches of the opener. He brought the ball down magnificently inside the box and unleashed a fantastic strike, which was met by an equally impressive save from the Valencia shot-stopper. Next, a fine team move (28’) saw Valdepeñas try his luck at the near post, but the goalkeeper was again on hand to keep Castilla out. Despite the deluge of chances, half-time came around with the game goalless.

Castilla level at the death
The madridista superiority was clear in the first period, but with 51 minutes gone, Navarro gave Valencia Mestalla the lead. Cestero then had a fine chance to level but his header skimmed just wide of the post (67’). Seven minutes later, Diego Martínez's powerful header ended up in the side-netting, but the team fought to the end to get the goal their efforts deserved. It finally materialised in injury time when Cestero turned in brilliantly from a corner, the culmination of an intense and exciting match-up.

LINE-UPS:
1-Castilla: Mestre, D. Jiménez, Mario Rivas, Valdepeñas, Diego Aguado, Cristian David, Manuel Ángel, Thiago, Yáñez, Bruno and Rachad. Subs: Joan Martínez, Fortea, Roberto Martín, Castrelo, Zúñiga, Diego Martínez, Javi Navarro, Manu Serrano, Cestero and Pol Fortuny.
1-Valencia Mestalla: V. Abril, Andrés Caro, M. Navarro, Panach, Javi Navarro, Mario D., Gurendal, M. Guilabert, Prevedini, M. Jurado and I. Santana. Subs: Raúl J., Carlos Alós, Boyko, Rodrigo G., Rubi, Fontanet, Jaume Durà, Trigui and Leslie.

Goals
0-1 (min. 51): Navarro.
1-1 (min. 90+3): Cestero.