Valdebebas will stage a Friday-night capital derby with points, local pride and early-season momentum on the line as Real Madrid Castilla meet Atlético Madrileño at the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium. It is officially a “mini-derby”, but the sixth-round Primera Federación Group 2 meeting carries the familiar edge of the senior rivalry.
A derby with a three-point gap
Atlético Madrileño arrive seventh in the table, three points ahead of 14th-placed Castilla. Their starts have closely matched each other, with one significant exception in the third round: Castilla lost at Águilas while the Atlético side swept aside Murcia.
The recent head-to-head record also points to a tight contest. Across the last 10 derbies, there have been five draws, two Atlético victories and two wins for the Madrid side. Castilla have further incentive after losing the derby at the Metropolitano and suffering a 2-0 defeat against Atlético’s C team last Sunday.
Kick-off is scheduled for 21:15 at Ciudad Real Madrid, with rain a possibility in Valdebebas.
Castilla restore Cestero and reshape midfield
- Cestero’s internal punishment has been fully removed following his incident with López de Lerma. The midfielder is back in the squad and is expected to start.
- Thiago, who impressed with the Spain Under-20 side, has been included and is also in contention for the starting XI.
- López de Lerma is expected to select Thiago alongside Sergio Martínez in a midfield three designed to add both quality and running power.
- Fortuny is likely to make way, with the coaching staff preferring a more robust central unit rather than his more attacking, No. 10-style profile.
- Carvajal is set to continue up front ahead of Rachad, with his movement in behind considered more suitable, although Castilla need greater sharpness from their strikers.
- At centre-back, Joan Martínez, Mario Rivas and Naasei have all been viewed as potential starters, but only two can play. Joan Martínez is expected to miss out, leaving Mario Rivas and Naasei as the likely pairing.
Torres works around absences
Fernando Torres has a depleted Atlético Madrileño group. Javi Gil and Domenech are suspended, while Álvaro Santos and Sergio Esteban are injured; Esteban has recently undergone surgery. The absences remove the attacking trio that had featured at the start of the campaign.
- Pablo Pan is expected to be used in central defence to address the missing players.
- Miguel Cubo should return to the line-up after being left among the substitutes against Villarreal because of his Under-19 commitments.
- Sergio Díez is in line for his first start since returning to the club, with Romeo Hueso likely to begin on the bench.
- David García is expected to start, while Jorge Castillo is set to be among the substitutes.
- With the squad stretched by absences, Atlético have called on players from their C team to complete the matchday group.
Referee record
David López Jiménez, from Catalonia, has been appointed referee. This is his sixth season in Primera Federación, making him one of 13 officials who have been present throughout the competition’s existence. He previously spent four seasons in the old Segunda B.
Atlético Madrileño have not lost in five matches officiated by López Jiménez, recording four wins and one draw. Castilla’s record under him is less encouraging: one win, one draw and two defeats.
