Mourinho goes from La Cartuja to a Castilla match as Sergio Martínez makes his debut

José Mourinho did not take a day off after Real Madrid’s first league defeat of the season. Less than 24 hours after the 1-0 loss to Real Betis, the Portuguese coach was at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano to watch Castilla beat Juventud Torremolinos 2-0.

Mourinho attended the game alongside several members of his coaching staff. One of the players under observation was new midfielder Sergio Martínez, who had been included in the senior squad for the previous night’s match in Seville.

FROM THE BENCH IN SEVILLE TO A CASTILLA DEBUT

Sergio Martínez joined Real Madrid from Racing Santander and is initially expected to continue his development with Castilla. Mourinho has already brought him into the senior environment, however. After only two first-team training sessions, the midfielder travelled to face Betis and was named among the substitutes.

He did not enter the game at La Cartuja, but his official Real Madrid debut followed the next afternoon. Martínez began the Castilla match on the bench before replacing Jorge Cestero at half-time.

The new arrival also had an opportunity to mark his debut with a goal. After two Daniel Mesonero efforts had been blocked in the 75th minute, the ball fell to Martínez, whose shot went over the crossbar.

CESTERO AND FORTUNY SECURE THE WIN

Castilla took the lead after 25 minutes through Jorge Cestero. The goal was initially ruled out because Rachad Fettal was considered offside, but the decision was overturned following a Football Video Support review.

Pol Fortuny completed the scoring in the 85th minute, finishing Alexis Ciria’s pass with a low shot. The 2-0 result gave Castilla their first victory of the Primera Federación season after an opening-day goalless draw away to Teruel.

MOURINHO KEEPS A CLOSE WATCH ON THE ACADEMY

Mourinho’s visit was more than a ceremonial appearance. Since the start of pre-season, the coach has regularly involved players developed at Valdebebas. Joan Martínez, Mario Rivas, Jorge Cestero and Alexis Ciria are among the youngsters who have worked with the senior side, while several academy players were included in the squad for the Betis game.

The senior team did not get the result it wanted in Seville, but the following day Mourinho was personally assessing the players immediately below it. He watched Castilla win, Sergio Martínez make his debut and Cestero score after already receiving opportunities at first-team level.

For the academy players, the message is clear. Their pathway has not disappeared now that pre-season is over. Mourinho continues to follow their progress in competitive matches and is making sure he knows which players can help when Real Madrid’s schedule demands greater depth.