Real Madrid Castilla continues to build momentum in their campaign for promotion with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Alcorcón at the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium on February 22, 2025. The win positions Castilla firmly in the playoff places of the Primera RFEF's Group 2, showcasing their determination to ascend to the Segunda División.
The match began vibrantly, with Real Madrid Castilla dictaining early possession and seeking openings against Alcorcón's resolute defense. Despite starting strongly, it wasn't until the 18th minute when Castilla finally broke the deadlock. David Jiménez delivered a pinpoint corner kick, and Víctor Valdepeñas made the perfect run to meet the ball at the near post, directing it home. "The goal changed the tempo of the game," commented Castilla's coach Raúl González Blanco.
Just 20 minutes later, the home side doubled their advantage. Following another corner, this time from Andrés Campos, Jacobo Ramón displayed excellent control, slotting the ball comfortably past the visiting goalkeeper, Josele. The first half concluded with Castilla dominant, leading 2-0 and seemingly strolling toward victory.
After the interval, Alcorcón came out with renewed energy, determined to claw back the deficit. Their efforts were rewarded when disaster struck for Castilla; Borja Alonso unintentionally turned the ball past his own goalkeeper, Mario de Luis, during a chaotic moment from Alcorcón’s corner kick, narrowing the lead to 2-1. This own goal ignited Alcorcón, who began pressing for the equalizer and gaining momentum.
“We really pushed for the equalizer after the own goal,” said Alcorcón's manager, Pablo Álvarez. “The spirit was there, but we just couldn’t find the right end product.” Indeed, Alcorcón had several chances but faced stiff resistance from de Luis, whose saves were instrumental to Castilla’s triumph.
One turning point arrived just before the 70-minute mark when Samu, Alcorcón's midfielder, received his second yellow card, reducing his side to ten men. This moment proved pivotal as it allowed Castilla to regain control of the match, which had begun to slip away.
With the man advantage, Castilla managed to retain possession and cope with the remaining minutes. Raúl made several substitutions, including introducing Yáñez, who replaced the bookable Borja Alonso, to reinforce their defense and maintain their slender lead.
Despite Alcorcón's late efforts, especially with Vladys coming close on several occasions, they were unable to breach Castilla's reformed defense, and the final whistle confirmed the scoreline at 2-1. The victory means Castilla is set to remain within the top five, giving them a solid opportunity to compete for promotion later this season.
This latest win also marks Castilla's continued form, remaining undefeated since the beginning of 2025. They now total 36 points, placing them just behind their immediate rivals, with their next test scheduled against Intercity on March 2, 2025.
Meanwhile, the loss deepens the woes for Alcorcón, who now find themselves entrenched within the relegation zone, combating three consecutive defeats. The need for points is becoming increasingly urgent as the season progresses, making their upcoming fixtures increasingly pivotal.
Both teams will need to reassess their strategies moving forward; for Castilla, the path to promotion seems clearer, but for Alcorcón, every match presents another chance at redemption as they fight to escape the relegation fight.