Blanco Noise

Lineup

Fran González, D. Jiménez, Joan Martínez, Valdepeñas, Manu Serrano, Cestero, Cristian David, Mesonero, Thiago, Palacios, Lamini, Yáñez, Leiva, and Álvaro Ginés

Atmosphere

These fans are more passionate than any MLS fan could dream to be, the city depends on their club. To support the youth club in this manner is incredible. This city lives and thrives on the success of their football club, and it starts from the foundational roots.

Kickoff

These guys know how to ball. I mean seriously know HOW TO BALL. Fluid movement, quick passes, this first half is going to be dominant for them. All great attacking play starts from the back, so number 15, everything you go on to touch will be gold. Readers, this MAN is one to watch. His name is Joan Martínez Lozano, and this man will go right to the very top.

My prediction of Castilla dominance faded around the 20th minute of the first half as Barakaldo started to put their foot on the gas. The game became more physical where the middle of the pitch would be the key factor to separating these squads. After a beautiful buildup and creative passing, the first goal was finally scored in the 44th minute. The youngsters of Madrid finally broke the compact Barakaldo back line.

Let’s jump into the second half now, because it started out as cinema. Back and forth play from both sides and more grit was shown. While Castilla looked great, Barakaldo came out the stronger of the two. There was a ferocity to the squad that wanted to even the score which is exactly what happened in the 52nd minute. The answer was exactly what I mentioned earlier would control the pace of this game, great midfield play.

“OH, MY GOODNESS” is what everyone should be saying after the stop the goalkeeper made in the 63^rd minute. The Castilla goalkeeper played a sensational game until the final whistle. Without his efforts, the match could have very well ended in a draw.

As the second half dragged along towards the final whistle. Barakaldo continued to turn up the intensity and put more pressure on Castilla. However, despite the resilient pressure Barkaldo placed on Castilla, David Gimenez scored the winning goal in the 73^rd minute of the match.

Throughout the rest of the match, Castilla was able to break the match further with Castilla holding on until the final whistle. It should be noted that Castilla had two men sent off in the final 90’ minutes of stoppage time but still found a way to win. Overall, what an incredible match and the boys of Castilla did an excellent job hanging on to get a crucial three points.