To answer this question I visited the Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano as Real Madrid’s Castilla took on C.F. Talavera in a match that had everything: drum’s, singing, chanting, cards and a towering header. It was fifth taking on tenth and the hosts looked the part – being able to put Talavera under constant pressure whilst the visitors were doing everything to keep them out. Because of this Talavera were forced into playing on the counter, trying to put Castilla’ s defensive line to the test, as long balls were launched by their goalkeeper (Jaime González) and their defenders.
Whilst entering the stadium you walk by statues commemorating all of Madrid’s European trophies which helps setting the stage for any match. The home crowd made their presence known to the entire stadium from kick off as “Castilla!” could be heard through a megaphone, followed by drums and the crowd replying. The chanting and later singing kept up for the entire match. Which was met with drums and chanting from the away end. The two sets of fans weren’t the only one ready to jump start the match – referee José Alberto Pardeiro handed out a yellow card on the very first foul of the game to Madrid’s Palacios within the 5 minute mark. During the match fans could clearly be heard throughout the match. With calls for “Mano!” (a hand ball) or protests belted towards the referee when they disagreed with one of his decisions.
When visiting a match at the Alferdo di Stéfano one might notice how the home support is divided in their chanting. I spoke to one member leading the chants. Their identity will be left out to as requested to protect their anonymity. They had been coming to the matches for over 15 years. Visiting almost all the Castilla matches, from the first day they opened the stadium (except for when the schedule clashes with that of the first team).
“We’re a little group that love Real Madrid. Some of us are in Bernabéau too, La Grada. We come to enjoy, for Madrid. Sometimes we come to the youth league and the kids and the girls team just having fun with Real Madrid.”
Me being a newcomer to the Castilla matches and to Madrid, got confused about who they were representing. But they made it clear to me that they were not part of the Ultras.
“I am not Ultra, first it was Ultra Sur, who were in the stadium and they [the club] took them out. I was with Ultra Sur the last year, the year they kicked them out. They [Ultra Sur] are mad at the club because they were kicked out.”
From one part of the homestand chanting was indeed initiated by a group of the Ultras Sur fans. These Ultras were removed from the Bernabéau in 2013 by president Florentino Pérez who decided to assign the seats to younger, better behaved supporters. Since the Ultras are known for their neo-Nazi paraphernalia, violence and racist chants. At the bottom of the stands however, you will find a group of supporters, dressed fully in white, leading the chants armed with a megaphone and a drum. They are there to solely enjoy and support the club. This internal battle adds fuel onto the fiery atmosphere which fills the Estadio Alfredi Di Stéfano, a stadium located just outside of the city at the club’s training complex: Valdebebas.
“I don’t want to get any problem with no one, we are here to set the mood and make it a good time for everyone.”
When looking to get a taste of Spanish football, or perhaps specifically of Spains most succesfull club, watching football a Castilla match is an absolute recommendation. It is a perfect combination of football with grassroots atmosphere consisting of local, loyal supporters in a great stadium. It is important to note that tickets are not always open to the public, so a tip from the editorial department is to become a Madrista to ensure you’re able to purchase tickets. Because when visiting the Spanish capital why not take a peak at the up and coming stars who might be filling the world’s biggest stage in a year or two.
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