At the Stadio Alfredo Di Stefano, Real Madrid Castilla and Zamora CF played out a dramatic 2–2 draw in a crucial late-season clash. Both sides, level on 42 points and chasing a playoff spot for promotion to the second division, showed urgency from the start. Zamora, slightly ahead in the standings due to fewer defeats, appeared more aggressive early on, but Castilla fought back strongly. The match turned into a tense and chaotic battle, especially in the closing stages, with VAR decisions, a late equalizer, and even a red card shaping a result that leaves the race for the playoffs wide open.
In the opening phase of the match, both teams were stretched and the tempo was intense. Each side created chances, with the most significant one for Castilla falling to number 10, Palacios.
Zamora, however, seemed to approach the game more aggressively and forced Real Madrid’s second team to sit deeper in defense.
The sixth-placed side controlled the tempo and possession but allowed space for Yáñez, who was fouled in the box and, after a very long VAR review, won a crucial penalty for his team.
Palacios converted from the spot in the 34th minute, putting Castilla ahead: the 2004-born player has already recorded 10 goals this season.
Zamora reacted immediately through number 7 Kike Márquez but failed to capitalize and level the score.
After the penalty, Castilla appeared more confident and pushed for a second goal.
Less than ten minutes into the second half, La Fábrica struck again with a goal from Alexis Ciria: the opposing defender attempted to clear the ball, but it had already crossed the line.
In the 60th minute, the away side found the net through Sancho, but the goal was ruled out for offside, keeping the score at 2–0 for Castilla.
Julian López’s team, despite leading, continued to press high and create chances. While Zamora had seemed more aggressive at the start, the Blancos were now dominating the field.
The Rojiblancos tried again and found what seemed to be their second goal, but it was initially disallowed for offside as Carbonell was judged to be ahead of the line. The referee reviewed the play due to uncertainty from the fourth official.
This time, the goal was confirmed. Zamora had five minutes plus stoppage time to find an equalizer—and they used every second. Mario García scored the equalizing goal, leaving Mestre stunned.
At 2–2, 11 minutes of added time were given due to substitutions, stoppages, and multiple VAR reviews. The ending was chaotic, with fouls from both sides and both teams pushing for a winner.
In the final moments, Sestero received a second yellow card for an attacking foul, leaving Castilla with ten men during stoppage time.
After Sestero’s dismissal, Zamora went all in, and yet another VAR review followed for a potential penalty in favor of the away side. The penalty was denied, and in the 106th minute, the referee blew the final whistle.
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