Mariano out as Castilla aim to keep promotion drive alive

Real Madrid Castilla have emulated the senior side in recent weeks, achieving what seemed like an impossible task by reeling in Barakaldo at the top of the Segunda División B Group II table. In three weeks, Castilla have slashed Barakaldo’s eight-point lead and now sit top of the table, level on points with the Basque side but with head-to-head advantage.

On Saturday, Luis Miguel Ramis’ side travel to Portugalete, who sit in 19^th place in the division and are 10 points from safety with 12 left to play for. A loss to Castilla could relegate the Basques to Tercera after just their second season in history in Segunda B. Both sides are under pressure but Portugalete don’t give much away at home; in their last three games at La Florida, Carlos Doncado’s side have gained seven points without conceding a goal. Barakaldo play immediately before Castilla and Portugalete kick off, at home to third-placed Real Unión.

Castilla will be without top scorer Mariano Díaz, who has banged in 22 goals this season, and defender Sergio Reguilón.