Real Madrid beat Albacete 3-0 in pre-season friendly, academy gem gets two assists

Real Madrid played out a ‘behind-closed-doors’ friendly against Albacete on Wednesday and as reported by The Athletic’s Mario Cortegana, they emerged victorious with a 3-0 scoreline.

Days before the squad flies off to the USA for the pre-season tour, Los Blancos faced off against the lower division opponents at the Valdebebas facilities as part of their preparations for the new season.

Nico Paz shines

As per the report, Carlo Ancelotti fielded a starting XI comprising a few first-team players that are currently available at his disposal, mixed with talents from the reserve and youth squads.

Thibaut Courtois started in goal while Lucas Vazquez and Fran Garcia slotted in as full-backs. Jesus Vallejo, back from loan, partnered with Raul Asencio in defence.

Mario Martin, Dani Ceballos, and Cesar Palacios formed the three-man midfield unit while Brahim Diaz, Juanmi Latasa, and Nico Paz formed the attacking unit.

Real Madrid finished the first half with a 2-0 lead, with goals coming from Latasa and Brahim, with Nico Paz, who will be travelling to the US, getting both assists.

Ancelotti rung in the changes at half-time as Andriy Lunin and Reinier Jesus took the pitch, while the rest of the team was made of Castilla players. Reinier, who has no future at the club, made it 3-0 in the second period.

While the quality of the opponent was not the highest, a good showing to start the pre-season bodes well for Ancelotti & co. as they gear up for the trip to the US.

Real Madrid will be playing three friendlies in the States against AC Milan, Barcelona, and Chelsea before taking on Atalanta in their first game of the season in the UEFA Super Cup finals.