Exactly twelve years ago, Real Madrid Castilla achieved promotion from Second B to Second Division after defeating Cádiz in the playoff in a resounding manner. In that tie, four youth players played in the team led by Alberto Toril and, in a few days, they will play with the first team in the Champions League final in Wembley. They are Nacho Fernández, captain of the team, Carvajal (second captain), Lucas Vázquez and Joselu.

The Galician striker was a key player in both matches, as he managed to score twice at the Ramón de Carranza and once in the second leg at the Alfredo Di Stéfano stadium. A leading role that he played again after scoring two goals in just a minute and a half in the second leg of the semifinals against Bayern Munich.

Real Madrid Castilla completed a great season in Second B with the aforementioned players and others who also managed to reach the first team, such as Jesé and Morata. After that promotion, many managed to make the jump to First Division teams or found a place in José Mourinho's squad, as was the case with Nacho. Joselu, before leaving, also made his debut with the Portuguese on the last matchday against Almería and even scored a goal.

Now, twelve years later, the four will have the opportunity to close the circle and defend the first team's shield in a European Cup final. For Nacho, Carvajal and Lucas Vázquez it will not be something new, since the three have already played in several finals, but for Joselu it will be a dream come true and a reward for all his career that comes to him at 34 years old.

Carvajal and Nacho are just one game away from winning their sixth European Cup and equaling Paco Gento, since they were part of the squad when the team won the Décima in Lisbon, also under the direction of Carlo Ancelotti. Lucas Vázquez, for his part, will fight on Saturday for his fifth Orejona, since he already won the Undécima in Milan, also taking the first penalty of the shootout against Atlético Madrid.

Having four players in a Champions League final who, twelve years ago, achieved promotion with the second team means great success for La Fábrica and the way the youth team is managed. At Real Madrid, it is not easy to reach the first team and stay in the squad, since it is a club that, historically, usually makes several signings each season to incorporate the best players in the world.

Just the fact of becoming part of the first team coming from below highlights the work that is done in the lower categories, where young people are molded and trained until they become world stars.

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