The Madrid coach is facing a raft of important injuries ahead of the tie with Barcelona B in the promotion playoffs, a clash that has elevated the stakes for Real Madrid Castilla. The upcoming Sunday represents a critical moment for their bid to return to the Second Division, and the squad is suddenly minus several key components as they prepare for the semi final matchups. Raul faces a difficult task with multiple casualties that could shape the balance of the tie between the youth academy and the reserve side from Barcelona.
In goal, a fibula injury has sidelined one of Castilla’s standout performers for roughly two months, ruling him out of the entire playoff stretch. It is a tough blow for a goalkeeper who enjoyed a standout season and provided steady performances between the posts. With the starter unavailable, Luis Lopez, who has trained with the first team all season as a third-choice keeper and already contributed in Algeciras, steps up as Real Madrid’s playoff goalkeeper. His familiarity with the system and his experience at this level will be crucial as the team navigates a high-pressure period.
In the attacking department, Sergio Arribas faces a long road to the semi finals due to a tear in the anterior talofibular ligament. He will miss the first leg and his availability for the second leg in Valdebebas remains uncertain. The absence of the Madrid-native forward is a heavy blow, given his importance for Castilla’s attack with a tally of 18 goals and seven assists this season. The depth of the squad will be tested as Raúl tries to preserve attacking movement without one of its most productive players. Peter Federico is also out after accumulating penalties that led to his elimination from the competition. The double absence opens a range of tactical possibilities and invites squad players to step up when the pressure is highest.
The mounting injuries create a wide field of options for Raúl as he shapes the lineup. In defense, the central spine of the team looks likely to include Carrillo, Rafa Marín, Marvel, and Obrador, who are expected to anchor the back line. The right side presents a clearer question, with Vinicius Tobias having fallen out of favor and a recent reduction in playing time. Yet the injury losses could swing this decision in favor of a more expansive role for Pablo Ramon, who has previously featured in a variety of defensive roles and could be deployed in the right-back position if needed. The balance of the defense will be a focal point as the team seeks to maintain solidity while pressing forward with available attacking options.
In midfield, the engine room remains a bedrock for Raúl. Mario Martín, Alvaro Martín, and Dotor are set to start against Barcelona, providing a combination of control, movement, and drive. The captain had an overload and did not start in the earlier fixture at Algeciras, but he is nearing full fitness for this important match and will offer leadership and tenacity in midfield battles. Their workrate and coordination will be essential to maintaining possession and creating chances as Castilla eyes a positive result in the semi final arena.
Álvaro is stepping forward to become the focal point of the team, and the question now is which attacker will join him in leading the line. Oscar Aranda and Nico Paz remain in contention for the strike force, with the Argentine widely regarded as one of Madrid’s academy jewels. Raúl has shown confidence in Paz by integrating him more into the first team setup, signaling a long-term strategy that blends youth talent with first-team exposure. Gonzalo Garcia is another option in the mix, after a productive run in the youth setup that included a decisive contribution in the Algeciras game. While the typical plan would favor a substitute role for such rookies, minutes in this crucial playoff encounter could come in a very different context given the current injuries and tactical needs.
Thus, the Castilla XI, as anticipated by GOAL Spain, is shaping up as follows: Luis López, Pablo Ramon, Carrillo, Rafa Marin, Marvel, Obrador, Mario Martín, Álvaro Martín, Dotor, Nico Paz, and Álvaro Rodríguez.
Source: Goal