Castilla claimed all three points at home to Deportivo La Coruña in the top of the table clash. An early Álvaro Martín goal set Raúl's side on their way to a fourth win of the season, leaving them unbeaten at the Di Stéfano stadium.
A fantastic start from Castilla, who pressed Deportivo high in their half and were soon rewarded with an early goal. In the 8th minute, Álvaro Martín picked up the ball in the right edge of the area and after some brilliant individual play he found himself one-on-one with the keeper and finished well with his left foot. The 1-0 lead gave Castilla the confidence to dominate a period where there were hardly any chances and while only Mario Soriano came close to netting with a low shot that deflected off De Luis and ended up coming back off the post.
The reserve team picked up the pace again in the final minutes of the first half and a long-range effort in the 38th by Pablo Ramón looked to cross the line after Mackay fumbled the ball on to the post, but the officials decided not to award the goal. Raúl's side continued looking for another goal and shortly afterwards, Peter forced the Deportivista keeper into action following a free kick that was turned behind for a corner. The visitors were the first to threaten in the second half with a counter-attack that Mario Soriano was on the end of, but De Luis denied him.
Video.1-0: Castilla defeat Deportivo and remain unbeaten at the Di Stéfano
Numerical superiority
Castilla produced some great defensive work to keep Deportivo at bay as they went in search of an equaliser. Álvaro got on the end of a clearance and looked to power past Lapeña, but the defender was adjudged to have fouled him and received his marching orders as he was the last man. Our reserve team looked to take advantage of the numerical superiority and began to find more space in attack and should have got the second goal. Dotor, Peter and Álvaro all had chances but failed to beat the visiting keeper. In the 88th minute there was a final scare as Zalazar's shot went narrowly wide but Castilla held on for the win that sees them up to sixth place in the table ahead to the next game away to Celta B (Saturday 29 October, 5pm CEST).
MATCH INFO:
1-Castilla: De Luis, Tobias, Rafa Marín, Pablo Ramón, Mario Martín, Dotor, Arribas (Iker Bravo, 79’), Peter, Álvaro Martín (Javier Villar, 89’), Edgar and Álvaro.
0-Deportivo: Mackay, Antoñito, Lapeña, Olabe (Isi Gómez, 60’), Quiles (Víctor Narro, 79’), Mario Soriano, Carnero, Martínez, Svensson (Zalazar, 60’), Rubén Díez, Villares (Bergantiños, 68’).
Goals
1-0 (min. 8): Álvaro Martín.
