As clubs slowly return to training and league action after the international break, Real Madrid, which is still competing in several competitions, is having to deal with another unforeseen internal issue that could well have consequences for its sporting project.
It needs no introduction. It is renowned as one of the best youth academies in the world. La Fábrica is Real Madrid’s development structure. Since its creation in the 1950s under the direction of Miguel Malbo, it has produced numerous talents who have contributed to the club’s success. Located at Ciudad Real Madrid in Valdebebas, La Fábrica is home to more than 270 young players spread across 16 teams, from the under-6 category to the reserve team, Real Madrid Castilla. Players benefit from rigorous technical and tactical training, personalized support, and gradual integration into the first team. This structure has led to the emergence of iconic players such as Iker Casillas, Raúl González, Emilio Butragueño, Dani Carvajal, and Achraf Hakimi. Moreover, the under-19 team won the Youth League in 2020, demonstrating the quality of the training provided.
Within this large Madrid youth system is Real Madrid C, also known as Real Madrid Aficionados until 1990. Real Madrid C is the Madrid club’s third team. Founded in 1952, it currently plays in Segunda Federación – Group V, the fourth tier of Spanish football. Composed mainly of young talents from La Fábrica, this team serves as a springboard between the junior categories and Real Madrid Castilla, the reserve team of the Casa Blanca. It allows developing players to gain experience in senior competition, thus facilitating their progression to the highest level: “The youth system is an important element of this club. I don’t question the club’s planning, which has been excellent. Locally trained players will be present,” Carlo Ancelotti explained during the season. But it is precisely this entire club planning that is falling apart today.
The enormous threat looming over the Casa Blanca!
However, a shadow currently hangs over this well-oiled organization. Real Madrid C faces a serious risk of relegation, sitting thirteenth in their Segunda Federación group. This situation deeply worries the Madrid management, as a relegation to the lower division could paralyze the entire La Fábrica. Despite several adjustments throughout the season, including a coaching change with the arrival of Joselu Sánchez to replace Álvaro Gómez-Rey at the end of January, the team is struggling to reverse the trend. In eight matches under the new coach, the record is mixed: two wins, three draws, and three losses. This negative dynamic places Real Madrid C in a delicate position with just six matches remaining in the championship. Under Gómez-Rey, Real Madrid C had earned 20 points in 20 games, and under Joselu Sánchez, the young players have only earned 9 points in 8 games. The team continues to struggle, but is unable to win two games in a row and is plagued by an alarming lack of goals, with only 26 goals scored in 28 games.
In a context where five of the 18 teams in each Segunda Federación group are relegated, and where the four clubs ranked thirteenth with the lowest coefficient participate in a relegation tournament, the situation of Real Madrid C is worrying. Currently, the club is the thirteenth with the worst coefficient, which would force it to play in this tournament to hope to stay up. Relegation to Third RFEF would be a serious blow to the club’s sporting project, particularly with regard to the development of young talent. When we consider the relative importance of players like Raúl Asencio, Jacobo Ramón, Chema, Lorenzo Aguado, Diego Aguado and Daniel Yáñez this season, all considered to be the club’s prospects, the concerns of Florentino Pérez, Carlo Ancelotti and the Madrid socios are therefore legitimate regarding the future of this team and, by extension, of the entire Real Madrid youth system. Dozens of Madrid stars would see their progress hampered in the event of relegation.
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