Real Madrid Castilla continues to dominate their group in the International Premier League Cup, remaining unbeaten with two victories and one draw. On Wednesday night, under the guidance of coach Álvaro Arbeloa, the team secured a 2-0 victory against Everton’s U21 squad, thanks to a crucial brace from Pol Fortuny, who scored at the end of each half. Following a frustrating draw against Southampton at the end of October (1-1), this win marks a significant return to form for the reserve side on the continental stage.
Despite recent rotations in the squad, Arbeloa’s tactical approach has not compromised their attacking style, as reported by MARCA. In the first half, Real Madrid’s youth academy team created numerous opportunities but struggled to find the back of the net due to an outstanding performance from Everton’s goalkeeper, George Pickford. The English shot-stopper even denied a poorly placed penalty from Manuel Ángel early in the match, highlighting Castilla’s ongoing issues with offensive efficiency.
However, the relentless pressure applied by Arbeloa’s men paid off just before halftime. After several attempts to break through, Fortuny finally found his scoring touch with a well-placed shot from close range. The goal not only lifted spirits but also reinforced Real Madrid’s dominance in possession and attacking intent throughout the match.
Defensive Solidity and Tactical Pressing
The central defensive pairing of Mario Rivas and Lamini proved formidable, thwarting Everton’s attempts to equalize. The turning point came in the 66th minute when Patterson received a red card for a dangerous tackle on Fortuny, forcing Everton to play a significant portion of the second half with ten men. This numerical advantage allowed Castilla to further assert their dominance on the pitch.
Even with their numerical advantage, Real Madrid Castilla struggled with their finishing in the second half. Leiva had a golden opportunity to seal the game with a second goal before stoppage time but was once again thwarted by Pickford’s heroics. As Everton pushed for an equalizer, Sergio Mestre was called into action for a spectacular save that kept Madrid ahead. In injury time, Fortuny secured his brace and confirmed the victory with a deflected shot that caught Pickford off guard.
Looking Ahead
This victory not only solidifies Real Madrid Castilla’s position at the top of their group but also raises questions about their offensive consistency moving forward. With upcoming matches on the horizon, can they maintain this momentum and improve their finishing? The performances of young talents like Fortuny will be crucial as they aim for further success in this competition.
As they continue their campaign in the International Premier League Cup, Real Madrid Castilla is proving to be a force to be reckoned with. With players like Fortuny stepping up when it matters most, fans will be eagerly watching how this young squad develops throughout the season.
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