Villareal 2 - 1 RM Castilla (Day 1, 2nd Division)

Real Madrid Castilla wasn't able to earn its first points in the Second Division after only just being defeated on their visit to El Madrigal on the first day of the championship (2-1). Alberto Toril's side deserved more after holding their own well against a team that has just been relegated from the First Division. Jese put the Whites ahead with his penalty shot in the 18th minute but Villarreal staged a comeback with two isolated plays by Cavenaghi. Despite the defeat, the Real Madrid reserve team made a good impression and showed that they're capable of big things in Segunda.

Villareal vs RM Castilla

Castilla came on at El Madrigal with confidence, intent on settling in to the new category as soon as possible. Toril opted for nine players from the squad that achieved their promotion along with new players Fabinho and Mateos for the first line-up of the season. After a few minutes sizing up their rivals, Jesé led the first forays into the home team's area. The Canary Islander began the play that led to the first goal on the scoreboard with an opening up the left to involve Tcherychev. This put the ball nicely into the area but Oscar Plano wasn't able to shoot because of a foul from Mellberg and Juan Carlos. Jesé successfully took the penalty in the 18th.

From then on Villarreal charged ahead, looking to even the scores. However, Castilla coordinated their rows to perfection, preventing the local team from approaching Mejías' goal. Only the odd play from Uche put the Whites' advantage in danger. Meanwhile, Toril's side attempted a fast break. It was a still ball that put a draw on the scoreboard. Cavenaghi took advantage of a still ball in the area after his team's corner, beating Mejías during stoppage time.

There were attacks from both sides in the second half with more open football and incursions into both areas. Although Villarreal somewhat dominated possession, Castilla created clearer scoring opportunities. In the 64th Tcherychev, one of the most effective players in offense during the game, put a low shot through to the centre from the left that was close to being finished off by Álex. The first change to the Whites' side came in the 69th when Borja substituted Óscar Plano in order to strengthen the offense.

It was a very even match but Castilla was hit by bad luck. A loss in defence led to the home team's second goal. Cavenaghi collected the ball right outside the box, moved forward and scored Villarreal's victory goal (80'). Toril sought a draw in the last minutes and sent on Lucas and Raúl de Tomás. However, the scoreboard didn't move and Castilla was unable to earn its first points in its debut in the new category.

Summary

Stadium: El Madrigal
Attendance: 8,000
Goals: 0-1 Min. 18 Jesé (pen), 1-1 Min.45. Cavenaghi, 2-1 Min. 80 Cavenaghi.

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