Castilla takes the lead in the first playoff round for promotion

Real Madrid Castilla defeated Sabadell at the Alfredo Di Stéfano stadium, gaining an advantage in the first playoff round for promotion to the Segunda División. Our reserve team dominated the Catalan side from the start, but this superiority was not reflected on the scoreboard until the 71st minute with a goal by Pol Fortuny. Eight minutes later, Palacios, with a brilliant long-range shot, extended the lead in a tie that will be decided next Friday at Nova Creu Alta (9:00 pm CEST).

From the outset, our reserve team dominated, quickly creating a scoring opportunity. It came from a corner in the 13th minute. D. Jiménez crossed, and Lamini's header was denied by an impressive save from Fuoli. López de Lerma's side controlled a defensive Sabadell, creating danger from set-pieces. This time, Thiago delivered a free kick in the 25th minute, and Palacios' header inside the box went over the bar. Just before halftime, our captain again made an impact, controlling the ball inside the box with his right foot and unleashing a left-footed shot that the visiting goalkeeper once more stopped with an impressive reflex save.

Chances
The match's dynamic did not change after halftime, and Castilla kept pushing forward. Pol Fortuny's shot from the edge of the box deflected off a defender and took a dangerous trajectory, but Fuoli managed to tip the ball over for a corner in the 53rd minute. Our reserve team had already deserved to score, and in the 66th minute, they nearly did so after another corner, where Joan Martínez headed the ball back into the area, and Rachad's subsequent header missed the target by mere inches.

The Goals
López de Lerma's side continued to create danger, this time with a long-range shot from Á. Leiva, which put the visiting goalkeeper under pressure in the 69th minute. Two minutes later came the well-deserved goal for our reserve team. A spectacular control by Diego Aguado, who advanced into the box and played the ball back. Rachad took a shot, and Fuoli made another great save, but Pol Fortuny, quick to react, slotted the ball into the net. The goal boosted Castilla's confidence, and in the 79th minute, they extended their lead with a long-range strike by Palacios. It was the 15th goal for our captain. From then until the end, Castilla barely struggled to maintain their lead. The tie will be decided next Friday at Nova Creu Alta (9:00 pm CEST).

 

Match Details
2-Real Madrid Castilla: Fran González, D. Jiménez, Joan Martínez, Lamini, Diego Aguado, Cestero, Thiago, Palacios (Yáñez, 82’), Pol Fortuny, Alexis Ciria (Á. Leiva, 63’), and Jacobo (Rachad, 63’).
0-Sabadell: Fuoli, C. Alemán, Genar, Bonaldo, Ton Ripoll (Eneko, 78’), Astals (X. Moreno, 78’), Kaiser, Coscia (Joel Pliego, 60’), López-Pinto (Godoy, 60’), Urri, and Quadri.

Goals:
1-0 (min. 71): Pol Fortuny.
2-0 (min. 79): Palacios.

 

Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.