**JANUARY 22, 2025 - POST-MATCH**
**ESTADIO ALFREDO DI STÉFANO, MADRID**
**FULL TIME: 16:52**
---
**MATCH RESULT**
**REAL MADRID CASTILLA 2-0 CF TALAVERA DE LA REINA**
---
**GOALS:**
**45+2'** - Gonzalo García (Penalty)
**65'** - Gonzalo García
---
**DISCIPLINE:**
**YELLOW CARDS:**
Talavera - Miguel Ángel Santos (15'), Miguel Ángel Santos (45+1' - Second Yellow), Pablo Hernández (78')
Castilla - None
**RED CARDS:**
Talavera - Miguel Ángel Santos (45+1' - Second Yellow Card)
---
**FULL MATCH STATISTICS**
| Statistic | Real Madrid Castilla | CF Talavera |
|-----------|---------------------|-------------|
| **Possession** | 76% | 24% |
| **Shots** | 18 | 2 |
| **Shots on Target** | 9 | 1 |
| **Corners** | 8 | 1 |
| **Fouls** | 4 | 16 |
| **Yellow Cards** | 0 | 3 |
| **Red Cards** | 0 | 1 |
| **Offsides** | 2 | 4 |
| **Passes** | 687 | 243 |
| **Pass Accuracy** | 88% | 64% |
| **Tackles** | 9 | 17 |
| **Tackle Success** | 78% | 53% |
| **Aerial Duels Won** | 14 | 11 |
| **Saves** | 1 | 7 |
---
The numbers told the story of complete dominance—Castilla superior in every measurable category, their technical quality and tactical organization overwhelming a Talavera side that had defended desperately but ultimately couldn't withstand ninety-three minutes of sustained pressure.
Kaito walked toward the tunnel alongside his teammates, his body finally beginning to feel the accumulated fatigue of seventy minutes at professional intensity. His legs were heavy, his breathing still elevated despite the match being over, a deep tiredness settling into his muscles that was different from anything he'd experienced in Japanese youth football.
This was professional exhaustion—the product of ninety-three minutes where every sprint mattered, every decision carried weight, every moment demanded concentration at levels that couldn't be sustained indefinitely. He understood now why Real Madrid's fitness programs were so intensive, why Dr. Ramírez monitored nutrition with such obsessive precision, why recovery protocols existed for every aspect of post-match care.
The human body could only produce at this level for so long before it needed systematic recovery.
**"Kaito!"**
The voice called from behind him. Kaito turned to find Asencio jogging to catch up, the captain's armband still secured around his left bicep, his white kit stained with grass and dirt from ninety-three minutes of defensive work.
"Good debut," Asencio said, falling into step beside him. "Raúl will be pleased with your performance. You did exactly what he asked—stayed disciplined tactically, created chances, handled the physical pressure from Santos until he got himself sent off."
"I should have scored," Kaito replied, his mind immediately going to the shot that hit the post in the fifty-eighth minute, the chance that should have been his first professional goal.
"You'll score plenty of goals in your career," Asencio said with the certainty of someone who'd been playing professional football long enough to recognize talent when he saw it. "Today wasn't about scoring. Today was about proving you belong at this level. And you did that. Now come on—post-match routine. Shower, recovery nutrition, media obligations if they want you, then we can actually relax."
They entered the tunnel and made their way back to the locker room, where the atmosphere was celebratory but controlled. Real Madrid's culture emphasized professionalism even in victory—celebrate the win, acknowledge the performance, but don't lose perspective. This was one match, three points, progress toward the promotion goal but not the achievement itself.
---
**[POST-MATCH - LOCKER ROOM - 16:58]**
The locker room had been transformed during the match. The equipment staff had prepared individual recovery stations for each player—fresh towels, energy drinks with precisely calculated electrolyte ratios, protein shakes waiting in labeled bottles, ice baths ready for anyone who needed them for muscle recovery.
Dr. Ramírez stood near the entrance with her tablet, intercepting players as they arrived.
"Recovery nutrition within fifteen minutes," she announced in her characteristically stern voice. "Protein shake and carbohydrate drink, both mandatory. Ice baths for anyone who played more than sixty minutes—ten minutes in the cold water, no exceptions. Shower after ice bath, not before. Questions?"
No questions. Everyone knew the protocol.
Kaito grabbed his protein shake—a chocolate-flavored mixture that tasted significantly better than the pre-match vanilla version—and drank it while sitting on the bench in front of his locker. The cold liquid was surprisingly refreshing, and he could feel his body responding to the influx of amino acids and simple sugars, the recovery process beginning.
Around him, teammates were engaged in the same routine. Some had already stripped down to compression shorts and were lowering themselves into the ice baths with expressions of profound discomfort—the shock of cold water against overheated muscles was never pleasant, but the recovery benefits were scientifically proven.
Gonzalo García sat at his locker with both hands wrapped around his protein shake, still wearing his full kit, his expression showing the satisfaction of someone who'd scored both goals in a professional match. Two clinical finishes when his team needed them most. A performance that would be highlighted in match reports and tactical analysis videos.
"First professional brace," Chema said, appearing beside Gonzalo and clapping him on the shoulder. "How does it feel?"
"Good," Gonzalo replied simply. "But we have training Monday. This is already history. Next match is what matters."
Professional mentality. Never dwelling too long on success or failure because the next challenge was always approaching.
Nico Paz was getting treatment from the medical staff—nothing serious, just a minor knock he'd taken during the final minutes. The Argentine midfielder caught Kaito's eye across the room and offered a nod of acknowledgment. No hard feelings about being dropped from the starting eleven. Just professional recognition that they were both fighting for the same position and today Kaito had earned his opportunity.
Competition tomorrow. Teammates today.
**[17:08 - ICE BATH PROTOCOL]**
Dr. Ramírez appeared in front of Kaito with her tablet, checking off names as players completed their recovery obligations.
"Kurosawa. You played seventy minutes. Ice bath mandatory. Ten minutes, then shower. Go."
Kaito stripped down to his compression shorts and approached the ice bath with the kind of reluctance every athlete felt when facing this particular recovery method. The large tub was filled with water and ice, the temperature maintained at approximately three to five degrees Celsius—cold enough to reduce inflammation and promote muscle recovery, uncomfortable enough that it required mental discipline to complete.
He lowered himself in gradually, the cold hitting his feet first, then his calves, then his thighs. The shock made him gasp involuntarily, his body's natural response to the temperature demanding he get out immediately.
But he forced himself to continue, sinking down until the water reached his waist, then his chest. His breathing came in short controlled bursts as he fought the urge to leap out.
"First time is always worst," Marvel said from the ice bath beside him, the Brazilian defender already submerged up to his shoulders. "After a while, you get used to it. Not comfortable, but used to it."
"How long have you been doing this?" Kaito asked, his teeth beginning to chatter despite his attempts to control them.
"Three years professionally. Ice baths after every match. Dr. Ramírez says it reduces muscle soreness by forty percent and speeds recovery time significantly. Science, apparently."
"It feels like torture."
"Because it is. But torture that makes you better. Welcome to professional football."
They sat in silence for the remaining minutes, enduring the cold because the alternative was slower recovery and increased injury risk. Professional athletes made these calculations constantly—short-term discomfort for long-term benefit, immediate sacrifice for future performance gains.
When Dr. Ramírez's timer indicated ten minutes had elapsed, Kaito climbed out of the ice bath with movements that felt sluggish and uncoordinated, his muscles responding slowly to neural commands after being subjected to extreme cold.
But as he toweled off and began moving normally again, he could already feel the benefits. The deep muscle fatigue that had been building during the match felt reduced, the inflammation in his ankle where Santos had caught him with the penalty-foul already less pronounced.
Science worked, even when it was uncomfortable.
---
**[17:23 - SHOWERS AND RECOVERY]**
The hot shower after the ice bath was one of the most satisfying physical sensations Kaito had experienced. The contrast between the extreme cold and the warm water created a sensation that bordered on euphoric, blood flow returning to his extremities, his core temperature normalizing, his body beginning to feel human again rather than like an overworked machine.
He showered quickly but thoroughly, washing away the sweat and grass stains and the physical residue of ninety-three minutes of professional competition. When he emerged and dried off, he felt remarkably recovered considering what his body had just endured.
The locker room had settled into post-match routine—players in various stages of changing into casual clothes, conversations about the match mixing with discussions of weekend plans and the upcoming training schedule, the particular atmosphere of professionals who'd done their jobs successfully and could now decompress.
Kaito dressed in the Real Madrid athletic wear that had become his standard casual uniform—black joggers, white hoodie, comfortable sneakers. His match kit had been collected by the equipment staff who would wash and maintain it for future use. His boots were back in his bag, cleaned and ready for Monday's training session.
At 17:31, there was a knock on the locker room door.
Raúl entered, having changed from his coaching attire into a sharp suit—media obligations required coaches to look professional during post-match press conferences.
"Attention everyone," the coach called out, waiting for conversations to quiet. "Good professional performance today. Three points earned, clean sheet maintained, tactical discipline from start to finish. This is the standard I expect every match."
He consulted his tablet briefly.
"Media wants to speak with Asencio, Gonzalo, and—" his eyes found Kaito, "—Kurosawa. Quick interviews, five minutes each, nothing complicated. The rest of you are free to leave once you've completed recovery protocols. Training Monday at ten AM sharp. Enjoy your Sunday but remember—alcohol in moderation, sleep well, eat properly. Your bodies are instruments. Treat them accordingly."
Professional expectations delivered without drama or excessive celebration.
Asencio, Gonzalo, and Kaito followed Raúl out of the locker room and down the corridor toward the media area where journalists were waiting to file their post-match reports.
---
**[17:38 - MEDIA ZONE - ESTADIO ALFREDO DI STÉFANO]**
The media zone was a small designated area with a backdrop displaying Real Madrid and Primera Federación sponsors—simple professional setup for post-match interviews. Three journalists were waiting—two Spanish reporters from local sports publications, one Japanese journalist who'd made the trip specifically to cover Kaito's debut.
Asencio went first, the captain fielding questions about the team's performance, the red card decision, their promotion push. Professional answers delivered with the polish of someone who'd done hundreds of these interviews.
Gonzalo was next, discussing his two goals and the team's attacking approach. Standard post-match commentary, nothing controversial or particularly revealing.
Then it was Kaito's turn.
The Spanish journalists asked their questions first, their inquiries professional but predictable:
**"How did it feel making your professional debut for Real Madrid?"**
"It felt incredible," Kaito replied in carefully practiced Spanish, speaking slowly to ensure his grammar was correct. "I'm very grateful to Raúl for trusting me to start, and to my teammates for supporting me throughout the match. It was a great learning experience."
**"The penalty you won was crucial. Can you describe what happened?"**
"I received the ball in the penalty area and felt contact from behind as I was preparing to cross. The referee made the decision. I'm just glad we converted the penalty and earned three points for the team."
Diplomatic answer. No criticism of Santos or Talavera. No claiming credit beyond what was appropriate.
**"What was the biggest difference between Japanese youth football and professional football in Spain?"**
"The pace and physicality are significantly higher," Kaito answered honestly. "In Japan, the technical level is excellent but the physical demands are different. Here, every moment requires maximum concentration and effort. I have a lot to learn, but I'm working hard to adapt."
The Spanish journalists seemed satisfied with the answers—respectful, humble, acknowledging areas for improvement while showing confidence. Exactly the kind of interview Real Madrid's media staff preferred from young players.
Then the Japanese journalist stepped forward—Yamamoto Hiroshi from Sports Nippon, one of Japan's largest sports newspapers.
**"黒澤選手,日本語で伺います.プロデビュー戦を終えて,今のお気持ちは?"** (Kurosawa-senshu, I'll ask in Japanese. Having finished your professional debut match, how do you feel right now?)
The relief of being able to speak in his native language was immediate. Kaito's posture relaxed slightly, his responses becoming more natural.
**"正直,まだ実感が湧いていません.レアル・マドリードのユニフォームを着て試合をするという夢が叶いました.でも,これはスタート地点です.まだ改善すべき点がたくさんあります."**
(Honestly, it still doesn't feel real. The dream of playing in a Real Madrid uniform has come true. But this is just the starting point. There are still many areas I need to improve.)
**"ペナルティを獲得した場面について,もう少し詳しく教えていただけますか?"**
(Regarding the scene where you won the penalty, could you tell us a bit more detail?)
**"ボールを受けてクロスを上げようとした瞬間,背後から接触がありました.審判が素早く判断してくれました.サントス選手との対戦は試合を通じて身体的に厳しいものでしたが,それも学びの一部です.ヨーロッパのフットボールに適応するためには,このようなフィジカルコンタクトに慣れる必要があります."**
(The moment I received the ball and tried to deliver a cross, there was contact from behind. The referee made a quick decision. The battle with Santos throughout the match was physically demanding, but that's also part of the learning process. To adapt to European football, I need to get used to this kind of physical contact.)
**"お父様が天国から見ていると思いますか?"**
(Do you think your father is watching from heaven?)
The question hit harder than expected, emotion threatening to overwhelm the professional composure Kaito had been maintaining. His throat tightened briefly before he managed to respond.
**"はい.父は僕がいつかヨーロッパでプレーすると信じていました.今日,その夢の第一歩を踏み出せたことを,きっと喜んでくれていると思います.この経験を無駄にしないよう,これからも全力で頑張ります."**
(Yes. My father believed I would play in Europe someday. I think he would be happy that I was able to take the first step toward that dream today. I'll continue to work hard with everything I have so this experience won't be wasted.)
Yamamoto seemed satisfied with the responses, thanking Kaito with a respectful bow before stepping aside.
The interviews were complete. Kaito had navigated the media obligations without saying anything controversial or inappropriate. Professional conduct both on and off the pitch—exactly what Real Madrid expected from their players.
---
**[17:52 - RETURNING TO THE LOCKER ROOM]**
When Kaito returned to the locker room, most of his teammates had already departed. A few remained—Chema was still getting treatment on a minor muscle strain, Marvel was reviewing tactical footage on his tablet, Nico Paz was packing his bag.
Kaito's phone was still in his locker where he'd left it before the match, silenced and untouched for over six hours. When he pulled it out and disabled airplane mode, the screen immediately lit up with an avalanche of notifications:
**147 UNREAD MESSAGES**
**37 MISSED CALLS**
**89 SOCIAL MEDIA NOTIFICATIONS**
He scrolled through the most important messages first:
**MOM (16:54):** *おめでとう,カイト!素晴らしいデビュー戦でした!女の子たちと一緒に最後まで見ました.とても誇りに思います.必ず電話してね.愛してる.* (Congratulations, Kaito! It was a wonderful debut match! The girls and I watched until the end. We're so proud. Make sure to call. Love you.)
**MEI (16:56):** *ONII-CHAN WON PENALTY!!! Everyone at school is talking about it!!! You're famous now!!! 🎉⚽*
**MIO (16:57):** *You almost scored that shot that hit the post looked SO CLOSE but still you were amazing and everyone in Japan is so proud!!! 🇯🇵💪*
Messages from former teammates at Kawasaki Frontale congratulating him on his debut. Messages from Japanese fans he didn't know expressing pride that a Japanese player was representing Real Madrid. Messages from football accounts analyzing his performance with varying degrees of accuracy and insight.
But one message stood out from the others, sent from an international number he didn't recognize:
**UNKNOWN NUMBER (17:23):** *Watched your debut. Impressive performance for 15yo. Real Madrid made smart investment. Keep working. The path ahead is long but you have what's needed. - Takefusa Kubo*
Kaito stared at the message for several seconds, processing the fact that Takefusa Kubo—Japan's most successful export to European football, currently playing for Real Sociedad after his own journey through Real Madrid's system—had apparently watched the match and taken time to send encouragement.
He saved the contact and typed a response:
**KAITO:** *Thank you very much, Kubo-san. Your career has been an inspiration. I'll work hard to follow the path you've shown is possible for Japanese players in Europe.*
Professional but respectful. Acknowledging the compliment without being overly familiar with someone significantly more accomplished.
**[18:04 - REAL MADRID OFFICIAL RATINGS POSTED]**
Kaito's phone buzzed with a notification from Real Madrid Castilla's official account. The club had posted their official player ratings for the match:
---
**REAL MADRID CASTILLA - PLAYER RATINGS vs CF TALAVERA**
**STARTING XI:**
**Fran González (GK)** - **6.5/10**
*Solid performance. Little to do given Talavera's limited attacking threat. Commanded his area well on the few occasions he was tested. Distribution was accurate and helped maintain possession.*
**Álvaro Carrillo (RB)** - **7.0/10**
*Energetic performance on the right flank. Provided width and delivered several dangerous crosses. Defensively solid when required. Covered ground effectively throughout.*
**Marvel (CB)** - **7.5/10**
*Commanding defensive display. Won the majority of aerial duels and made crucial interceptions. Distribution from the back was clean and progressive. Nearly scored from corner.*
**Asencio (CB) (C)** - **8.0/10** ⭐
*Captain's performance. Organized the defensive line expertly. Dominated physically and read the game brilliantly. Leadership was evident throughout. Kept Moreno quiet all match.*
**Diego Aguado (LB)** - **7.0/10**
*Solid defensively and dangerous going forward. Several overlapping runs created width. Delivery into the box was threatening. Disciplined positioning prevented counter-attacks.*
**Chema Andrés (DM)** - **7.5/10**
*Controlled the midfield tempo perfectly. Breaking up play and recycling possession with efficiency. Pass accuracy was excellent. Tactical discipline allowed the number eights freedom to create.*
**Kurosawa Kaito (CM)** - **7.5/10**
*Impressive professional debut. Showed maturity beyond his years with intelligent movement and crisp passing. Won the crucial penalty that opened the scoring. Created several chances for teammates. Handled physical pressure well. Shot that hit the post was unlucky not to result in first professional goal. Substituted 70' - professional performance that justified manager's faith.*
**Antonio David (CM)** - **7.0/10**
*Hardworking display in the engine room. Covered ground effectively and supported both defensive and attacking phases. Delivery from set pieces was dangerous. Substituted 62' having completed his tactical assignment.*
**David Jiménez (RW)** - **7.5/10**
*Constant threat on the right wing. Stretched Talavera's defense with intelligent runs. Created the first shot on target with his movement. Assist for second goal was perfectly delivered.*
**Gonzalo García (ST)** - **8.5/10** 🥇 **MAN OF THE MATCH**
*Clinical performance from the striker. Converted penalty with composure despite goalkeeper getting a touch. Second goal showed excellent movement and finishing. Led the line professionally and created space for teammates with intelligent runs. Two goals from four shots - ruthless efficiency.*
**Álvaro Martín (LW)** - **7.0/10**
*Worked hard on the left flank to provide width and stretch the defense. Several dangerous crosses created opportunities. Defensive contribution when required was professional.*
---
**SUBSTITUTES:**
**Nico Paz** - **7.0/10** (came on 62')
*Energetic cameo after introduction. Fresh legs helped maintain pressure on tiring defense. Nearly scored with long-range effort. Good impact from the bench.*
**Pol Fortuny** - **6.5/10** (came on 70')
*Solid minutes managing the game professionally in the final twenty minutes. Kept possession moving and helped see out the victory.*
**Víctor Muñoz** - **6.5/10** (came on 70')
*Limited time to make impact but showed good movement. Shot well saved by goalkeeper demonstrated willingness to shoot when opportunities arose.*
**UNUSED SUBSTITUTES:**
Lucas Cañizares (GK), Manu Hernando, Perea, Jesús Fortea
---
**COACH: RAÚL GONZÁLEZ** - **8.0/10**
*Tactical approach was perfect. Team selection justified by performance. In-game management was professional. Substitutions helped manage minutes while maintaining control of the match.*
---
Kaito read his rating three times, analyzing the assessment with the critical eye he applied to all feedback. Seven point five out of ten. Above average but not exceptional. Fair assessment considering he'd played well but hadn't scored and had made a few mistakes during the seventy minutes.
The description was professional and balanced—acknowledging his contributions while implicitly noting areas for improvement. This was exactly the kind of honest evaluation that would help him develop.
**[18:12 - TEAM GROUP CHAT REACTION]**
The Castilla team WhatsApp group had erupted with activity after the official ratings were posted:
**Chema:** *Gonzalo MOTM! Well deserved hermano! 🎯⚽*
**Marvel:** *Asencio 8.0, Gonzalo 8.5, rest of us need to step up our game 😂*
**Álvaro Carrillo:** *Kaito 7.5 in his debut is impressive. Most players get like 6.0 their first professional match*
**Nico Paz:** *Good ratings all around. We earned those three points. Now we rest and prepare for next match*
**Gonzalo:** *Thanks everyone. Team performance. Everyone contributed. HALA MADRID*
Professional camaraderie mixed with competitive acknowledgment of individual performances.
Kaito didn't respond to the group chat—he rarely did, preferring to observe rather than participate in the constant flow of messages and banter. But he appreciated being included, being treated as an actual member of the team rather than just the expensive teenage import.
---
**[18:24 - CALL WITH FAMILY]**
Before leaving the stadium, Kaito found a quiet corner of the locker room—now nearly empty except for the equipment staff collecting laundry and organizing for Monday's training—and video-called his mother.
She answered on the first ring, her face filling the screen along with Mei and Mio who'd crowded into the frame on either side of her. All three were still wearing the makeshift Castilla colors they'd assembled from white and blue clothing, their homemade banner visible in the background.
**"KAITO!"** the twins shouted in unison, their voices loud enough that Kaito had to pull the phone slightly away from his ear.
**"おめでとう!"** (Congratulations!) his mother said, her eyes already glistening with tears that she was trying to hold back. **"We watched the entire match. You were wonderful. Your father would have been so proud."**
**"Thanks, Mom. How was the quality of the stream? Could you see everything clearly?"**
**"Perfect quality. We saw every moment. When you won the penalty, Mio screamed so loud the neighbors came to check if everything was okay."**
**"I didn't scream THAT loud,"** Mio protested, though her grin suggested she was proud of her enthusiastic support.
**"You literally screamed 'PENALTY FOR KAITO' at like three hundred decibels,"** Mei corrected. **"I think people in the next prefecture heard you."**
**"Because it was EXCITING! Onii-chan drew a penalty in his first professional match! That's incredible!"**
Kaito felt the warmth of their support washing over him, the distance between Madrid and Kawasaki feeling slightly less vast with his family's faces filling his phone screen.
**"I wish I could have scored,"** he admitted quietly. **"That shot that hit the post in the fifty-eighth minute was a good chance."**
**"You'll score many goals,"** his mother said with the certainty that only mothers possessed. **"This was just your first match. You have your entire career ahead of you. And Kaito—"** her voice became more serious, **"—you looked like you belonged there. Not nervous, not overwhelmed. Like you were exactly where you were supposed to be."**
**"I was terrified the entire first half,"** Kaito confessed with a slight laugh.
**"But you didn't play like you were terrified. That's what matters. You controlled your fear and performed professionally. That's strength, Kaito. That's what will make you successful."**
They talked for another ten minutes—his sisters updating him on school gossip and friend drama that felt simultaneously important and trivial, his mother sharing news about her work and the neighborhood, all of them carefully avoiding discussion of finances or the struggles they faced daily in Japan while their primary breadwinner lived ten thousand kilometers away.
The conversation was normal and grounding and exactly what Kaito needed after the intensity of the day.
When they finally said goodbye, with promises to talk again tomorrow and weekly video calls to stay connected, Kaito felt emotionally recharged despite the physical exhaustion still weighing on his body.
---
**[18:41 - SOCIAL MEDIA REACTION]**
Before leaving the stadium entirely, Kaito allowed himself a few minutes to browse the social media reaction to his debut. The analytics were overwhelming:
**TWITTER TRENDS (SPAIN):**
**#KurosakaKaito** - 47,000 tweets
**#RMCastilla** - 82,000 tweets
**#HalaMadrid** - 156,000 tweets
**TWITTER TRENDS (JAPAN):**
**黒澤海斗** (#KurosawaKaito) - 124,000 tweets
**レアルマドリード** (#RealMadrid) - 89,000 tweets
**プロデビュー** (#ProfessionalDebut) - 45,000 tweets
**INSTAGRAM:**
Real Madrid Castilla's post-match photo featuring Kaito had generated 234,000 likes and 8,900 comments in less than two hours.
The reaction from the football analysis community was particularly interesting:
**@TacticalAnalysisES:** *Kurosawa Kaito - 70 minutes, 89% pass accuracy, 3 key passes, 1 penalty won, 2 shots (1 on target). For a 15yo debut those numbers are exceptional. Real Madrid's scouting department continues to impress.*
**@LaLigaExpertEN:** *Watched Kurosawa's full debut. Technically excellent, tactically mature, handled physicality better than expected. The €10M fee looks very reasonable if he continues developing at this rate.*
**@JapanFootballHub:** *Kurosawa Kaito's professional debut: 7.5/10 rating, penalty won, multiple chances created, 70 minutes played. The youngest Japanese player to start for any Real Madrid team just proved he belongs. Historic.*
**@ScoutingReportEU:** *Key observation from Kurosawa debut: His decision-making under pressure was elite level. Knew when to play simple, when to be aggressive, when to hold possession. That football IQ at 15yo is rare.*
Not all the reaction was positive—some criticized his missed scoring chance, others questioned whether starting him was too much pressure too soon, a few accused Real Madrid of being desperate by relying on a teenager. But the overwhelming consensus was that his debut had been successful, that he'd justified Raúl's faith in selecting him, that Real Madrid's investment looked increasingly smart.
Kaito closed the apps and silenced his phone again. External validation was nice but ultimately irrelevant. What mattered was continuous improvement, earning Raúl's trust for future selection, contributing to the team's promotion push.
The social media noise would fade. The work would continue.
---
**[18:53 - UPDATED LEAGUE STANDINGS]**
Real Madrid's official app posted the updated Primera Federación Group 1 table reflecting the day's results:
---
**PRIMERA FEDERACIÓN - GROUP 1 STANDINGS (AFTER MATCHDAY 21)**
pos | team | mp | w | d | l | gf | ga | gd | pts |
|-----|------|----|----|----|----|----|----|-----|-----|
| 1 | cd badajoz | 21 | 14 | 4 | 3 | 40 | 19 | +21 | **46** |
| 2 | **real madrid castilla** | 21 | 12 | 2 | 7 | 37 | 24 | +13 | **38** |
| 3 | atlético madrid b | 21 | 10 | 5 | 6 | 33 | 23 | +10 | **35** |
| 4 | sevilla atlético | 21 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 29 | 21 | +8 | **34** |
| 5 | fc barcelona atlètic | 21 | 10 | 4 | 7 | 32 | 25 | +7 | **34** |
| 6 | deportivo la coruña | 21 | 9 | 5 | 7 | 28 | 23 | +5 | **32** |
| 7 | racing santander b | 21 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 26 | 22 | +4 | **31** |
| 8 | cultural leonesa | 21 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 25 | 24 | +1 | **30** |
| 9 | ponferradina | 21 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 23 | 21 | +2 | **29** |
| 10 | real avilés cf | 21 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 22 | 23 | -1 | **28** |
| 11 | sd compostela | 21 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 21 | 24 | -3 | **27** |
| 12 | cd mensajero | 21 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 20 | 22 | -2 | **26** |
| 13 | ud las palmas atlético | 21 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 19 | 25 | -6 | **25** |
| 14 | arenas club | 21 | 5 | 9 | 7 | 18 | 23 | -5 | **24** |
| 15 | **cf talavera de la reina** | 21 | 5 | 4 | 12 | 18 | 33 | -15 | **19** |
| 16 | racing club villalbés | 21 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 17 | 29 | -12 | **19** |
| 17 | ud san sebastián de los reyes | 21 | 4 | 6 | 11 | 16 | 30 | -14 | **18** |
| 18 | cd guadalajara | 21 | 3 | 8 | 10 | 15 | 31 | -16 | **17** |
| 19 | real ávila cf | 21 | 3 | 5 | 13 | 14 | 34 | -20 | **14** |
| 20 | cd estepona | 21 | 2 | 6 | 13 | 13 | 38 | -25 | **12** |
**promotion zone (1-4):** automatic promotion to segunda división
**relegation zone (18-20):** relegation to segunda federación
---
The victory moved Castilla up to second place, eight points behind leaders CD Badajoz but with a comfortable three-point cushion over third-placed Atlético Madrid B. The promotion race was tight but Castilla's position was strong—continuing this form over the remaining seventeen matches would likely guarantee automatic promotion.
Talavera's defeat left them in fifteenth place, precariously close to the relegation zone with only a one-point buffer. Their season was becoming a desperate fight for survival.
---
**TOP SCORERS - PRIMERA FEDERACIÓN GROUP 1 (AFTER MATCHDAY 21)**
pos | player | team | goals | matches |
|-----|--------|------|-------|---------|
| 1 | adrián hernández | cd badajoz | 15 | 21 |
| 2 | **gonzalo garcía** | **real madrid castilla** | **13** | **21** |
| 3 | pablo moreno | atlético madrid b | 11 | 20 |
| 4 | javi guerra | sevilla atlético | 10 | 21 |
| 5 | marc jurado | fc barcelona atlètic | 9 | 19 |
| 6 | lucas pérez | deportivo la coruña | 8 | 21 |
| 7 | david jiménez | real madrid castilla | 7 | 20 |
| 8 | sergio ruiz | racing santander b | 7 | 21 |
| 9 | álvaro martín | real madrid castilla | 6 | 21 |
| 10 | diego santos | cultural leonesa | 6 | 19 |
---
**TOP ASSISTS - PRIMERA FEDERACIÓN GROUP 1 (AFTER MATCHDAY 21)**
| pos | player | team | assists | matches |
|-----|--------|------|---------|---------|
| 1 | nico paz | real madrid castilla | 8 | 21 |
| 2 | antonio david | real madrid castilla | 7 | 21 |
| 3 | miguel ángel | cd badajoz | 7 | 21 |
| 4 | marcos paulo | fc barcelona atlètic | 6 | 20 |
| 5 | javier ontiveros | sevilla atlético | 6 | 19 |
| 6 | carlos vicente | deportivo la coruña | 5 | 21 |
| 7 | dani vega | cf talavera de la reina | 4 | 21 |
| 8 | sergio moyano | atlético madrid b | 4 | 20 |
| 9 | chema andrés | real madrid castilla | 4 | 21 |
| 10 | roberto fernández | racing santander b | 3 | 21 |
---
Gonzalo's brace had moved him into second place in the scoring charts, just two goals behind the league leader. Castilla had three players in the top ten for assists, evidence of their creative quality in midfield.
The statistics painted a picture of a team performing at promotion-challenging levels.
---
**[19:07 - DEPARTURE FROM STADIUM]**
Kaito finally emerged from the stadium at 19:07, more than two hours after the final whistle. The sun had set during his post-match routine, Madrid's winter darkness settling over the city, streetlights illuminating the parking area where a handful of dedicated fans still waited hoping for autographs or photographs.
Juan was waiting beside the black Mercedes, the driver having spent the past two hours running other errands while his passenger completed post-match obligations.
"Felicidades, Kaito," Juan said warmly as Kaito approached. (Congratulations.) "I watched the match on my phone. You played very well for your first professional game."
"Gracias, Juan. I learned a lot today."
"Learning is good. But also celebrate a little. You earned three points for your team and won a penalty in your debut. That's success, no?"
"Yes," Kaito agreed, allowing himself to acknowledge the achievement. "It's success."
The drive back to his apartment took fifteen minutes through Madrid's Saturday evening traffic. The city was alive with weekend activity—restaurants filling with dinner crowds, bars hosting pre-party gatherings, the normal rhythm of urban life continuing completely indifferent to the fact that a professional football match had just been completed kilometers away.
When Juan dropped him at his building at 19:24, Kaito thanked the driver and made his way up to his small apartment, his legs feeling the accumulated fatigue of the day with each step up the stairs.
Inside, the space was exactly as he'd left it that morning—clean, organized, impersonal. But somehow it felt slightly different now. He'd left as Kurosawa Kaito, hopeful prospect making his debut. He returned as Kurosawa Kaito, professional footballer who'd completed his first match successfully.
The transformation was subtle but real.
---
**[19:41 - EVENING RECOVERY PROTOCOL]**
Dr. Ramírez had provided clear instructions for post-match evening routine:
**RECOVERY PROTOCOL - MATCH DAY EVENING:**
**19:00-20:00** - Light dinner (lean protein, complex carbohydrates, vegetables)
**20:00-20:30** - Foam rolling and stretching (major muscle groups)
**20:30-21:00** - Compression garments (promote blood flow and reduce inflammation)
**21:00-22:00** - Relaxation (reading, light entertainment, NO intense screen time)
**22:00** - Sleep (minimum 9 hours recommended for optimal recovery)
Kaito prepared dinner following the guidelines—grilled chicken breast, brown rice, steamed vegetables. Simple, boring, but exactly what his body needed to begin the multi-day recovery process that would prepare him for Monday's training session.
While eating, he allowed himself to watch highlights of the match that various accounts had already posted online. Seeing the penalty incident from multiple angles confirmed what he'd felt in real-time—Santos's challenge had been clumsy and poorly timed, the referee's decision correct.
His shot that hit the post looked even closer on replay than it had felt in the moment. Millimeters from being his first professional goal. But football was a game of millimeters, and "almost" counted for nothing.
After dinner, he spent thirty minutes with the foam roller, working through his hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, hip flexors—every muscle group that had been stressed during the match. The process was uncomfortable but necessary, breaking up adhesions and promoting blood flow to accelerate recovery.
At 20:34, he pulled on the compression tights and shirt Dr. Ramírez had provided, the tight-fitting garments designed to maintain gentle pressure on his muscles throughout the night and reduce inflammation.
Then, finally, he allowed himself to simply relax.
He lay on his bed with his laptop open, scrolling through messages and social media reactions, reading tactical analysis of the match from various sources, absorbing the external perspective on his performance.
The consensus seemed to be that he'd performed well—not spectacularly, not without mistakes, but competently for a fifteen-year-old making his professional debut. The 7.5 rating was fair. The praise was measured but genuine. The criticism was constructive rather than harsh.
Professional debut: successfully navigated.
But as Chema had reminded him in the locker room, this was just the beginning. One match didn't define a career. Consistency mattered more than individual performances. The real test would come over the next weeks and months as he tried to maintain this standard and earn continued selection.
At 21:47, with exhaustion finally overwhelming the adrenaline that had sustained him through the day, Kaito closed his laptop and prepared for sleep.
Tomorrow was Sunday—a rest day with no training obligations. He could sleep late, recover properly, maybe video call his family again, perhaps explore Madrid a bit more now that the pressure of the debut was behind him.
Monday would bring training and the resumption of professional routine. Tuesday through Saturday would be preparation for the next match. And the cycle would continue, week after week, month after month, the relentless rhythm of professional football.
But tonight, he could rest knowing he'd taken the first real step on a journey that had begun in Kawasaki and led to Madrid and would hopefully continue for many years to come.
Kurosawa Kaito, age fifteen, professional footballer for Real Madrid Castilla.
The dream was real now.
And the work was just beginning.
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