Real Madrid and Castilla clashed at the Alfredo di Stefano Stadium in this morning’s training session. The match was used to work on the tactics both sides will deploy against their opponents this weekend. The first team won the day.

Guti and Parejo -accompanied by Castilla’s Mateos in midfield- enjoyed their first minutes of playing time in 2009. Castilla’s Agus and Real Madrid C’s Cruz played for the first team in defence, given that many internationals have left the squad and that Metzelder is injured with lower back pain. Higuain also missed the clash and jogged on his own with fitness trainer Jordi Garcia. Faubert played the entire game, showcasing his great skill, class and speed.

Castilla tried their best and scored the opening goal through Vazquez (16′). Faubert came close to netting a strike after a brilliant run. Saviola scored the equaliser thirty minutes into the game thanks to a brilliant assists from Parejo.

Drenthe netted the first team’s second strike from an amazingly strong and precise free-kick (45′) and was later awarded a penalty. Saviola took the shot and scored (47’). Drenthe again thrilled the hundreds of fans on the stands by dribbling past several Castilla players in a succession of step-overs.

But Castilla hadn’t said their last word yet and Alpio soon scored from a brilliant pass by Palanca (59’). The second team had another four chances to draw the match, but Codina saved the day. Saviola eventually sealed the game with another strike (67’).

Injury report: Left back Michel Salgado had to be replaced in the match against Castilla by youth teamer Villafañe. Medical tests have revealed the player suffers from a Grade I muscle injury on one of his femoral biceps. Salgado will miss 2-3 weeks.