About Real Madrid Castilla

Real Madrid Castilla is the reserve team of Real Madrid CF and the most important development squad within the club’s academy system, known as “La Fábrica.” It originated from earlier feeder arrangements in the mid-20th century, when Real Madrid used affiliated teams to develop young players. In 1972, the structure was formalised when Castilla CF became the official reserve side of Real Madrid after the dissolution of AD Plus Ultra, marking the beginning of its modern identity as Castilla.

Over the following decades, Castilla became one of the most successful reserve teams in Spanish football, competing in the professional league system rather than youth competitions. One of its most remarkable achievements came in the 1979–80 Copa del Rey, when Castilla reached the final after defeating several top-flight clubs before losing to Real Madrid’s first team. The team also earned promotion to the Segunda División and at times was ineligible for La Liga promotion due to its status as a reserve side, despite strong league performances.

In modern football, Real Madrid Castilla continues to function as a bridge between youth football and the senior team, regularly producing players who progress to Real Madrid’s first squad or other top European clubs. It has operated under different names and structures over time, including Real Madrid B, before returning to the Castilla identity in the 2000s. The team currently competes in Spain’s lower professional divisions, focusing on player development under successive coaches while remaining a key part of Real Madrid’s long-term sporting strategy.