The Madrid club’s reserve team has shown noticeable progress at the start of the new season. Under the leadership of Álvaro Arbeloa, the team secured two consecutive victories, confirming the chosen strategy to rejuvenate the squad. In six out of seven matches, the starting lineup had an average age of just 19, and only in one match did this figure reach 20 years old.
Victories over such opponents as Lugo, Ponferradina, and Pontevedra were achieved with a very young squad. Among the key players were footballers still playing for youth teams, as well as debutants at this level. They included Javi Navarro, Joan Martínez, Rivas, Fortea, Thiago Pitarch, Yáñez, as well as Sestero, Lamin, Roberto Martín, and Castrelo. Arbeloa is actively introducing youth into the game, confidently trusting them with starting positions.
This approach has become part of the sweeping changes the coach initiated after being appointed head of the reserve team. The results were quick to follow: after seven rounds, the team has already surpassed last year’s performance. The number of victories increased from one to three, and points earned rose from six to nine. In addition, the team climbed from 18th to 12th place in the standings.
Last season, the reserves needed twenty rounds to achieve back-to-back wins and secure an away victory for the first time. Now, these targets have been met in just seven matches. This progress highlights the effectiveness of the chosen strategy.
The coach notes that the team has learned to fight for results and avoid past mistakes. In his opinion, none of the opponents looked stronger, and the defeats were due to the inexperience of young players. As soon as the team became more focused and disciplined, the results improved. It is important for the players to feel confident and understand the demands of the level at which they are competing.
Despite their age, the team is gradually adapting to the demands of the league. One of the tasks was to keep a clean sheet, and this became a priority in training. Thanks to reliable defensive play and high-quality attacking actions, the team is achieving the desired results. Practice shows that if they manage to score first, their chances of winning increase significantly.
Recent successes have strengthened team spirit. The players support each other not only on the field, but off it as well. The victory in Ponferrada was an important moment for the entire squad. The coach emphasizes that success depends not only on talent, but also on unity, dedication, and readiness to work for the common goal. A long season lies ahead, and every player will have the opportunity to prove themselves.
