From hopeful beginnings to warming bench – A cautionary tale from Real Madrid’s academy | OneFootball

Raul Asencio’s debut for Real Madrid against Osasuna brought a sense of hope to many young players at the club.

For academy graduates, breaking into the first team is often a daunting task, with limited opportunities available.

However, Asencio not only made his appearance but also impressed by providing an assist on his debut, sparking excitement about his potential future at the club.

His performance raised expectations, and it seemed like he could become an important player for the team.

A curse?

In the four games that Asencio started, he proved that he could handle the pressure and maintain the level required for the first team.

Raul Asencio made his debut against Osasuna. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Even in the nine matches he participated in, his performances were on par with the standards expected at a club like Real Madrid.

Despite his solid contributions, however, being a product of the academy has worked against him. At Real Madrid, there is often little room for players who come through the youth ranks, and this has been a recurring issue for academy graduates.

Asencio’s situation highlights the broader problem that players from the club’s famed academy, La Fabrica, face when trying to make the jump to the senior team.

While it is true that only the very best can earn a spot in the first team, the centre-back’s experience suggests that there is a certain “curse” for players raised within the walls of Real Madrid’s youth system.

Despite his undeniable talent and early promise, the opportunities for such players are incredibly scarce.

A regular fixture

When Asencio was called upon by manager Carlo Ancelotti, it was in the wake of a series of injuries that had plagued key players in defence.

Asencio played consecutive matches for Real Madrid. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

With David Alaba, Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, and Aurelien Tchouameni all sidelined, Ancelotti had no other choice but to turn to the academy for reinforcement.

In this critical moment, Asencio was given a chance to prove himself as a reliable option in a crucial position.

Ancelotti had nothing but praise for Asencio’s abilities, calling him a “trusted centre-back” with a strong understanding of the role.

The coach described him as confident, well-positioned, and motivated, highlighting his calmness under pressure and his fearlessness.

Asencio’s maturity surprised Ancelotti, who noted that the young defender had already passed a significant test by performing well in high-stakes matches.

There was hope

His first few starts showed that he could handle the pressure of playing for a club like Real Madrid. He impressed in matches against Leganes, Liverpool, and Getafe, showcasing his talent and maturity in each of these games.

Raul Asencion showed promise. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

However, his journey took an unexpected turn in the match against Bilbao, where things began to unravel.

By then, Tchouameni had recovered from his injury, and despite the young defender’s solid performances, Ancelotti decided to bring the Frenchman back into the starting line-up.

Unfortunately, Real Madrid lost 1-2 to Bilbao, and the performance of the defence was poor. Despite his efforts, Asencio found himself being blamed for the result, and his role in the team began to diminish.

Hope is dangerous afterall

After playing over 400 consecutive minutes in five matches, Asencio suddenly saw his place in the squad reduced.

Raul Asencio has now lost his place. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

He went from being a regular starter to spending most of his time on the bench, with just 30 minutes of action in the last five matches he featured in.

Ancelotti chose to revert to Tchouameni, who, although a midfielder by trade, was preferred over Asencio in the centre-back position.

Asencio’s story is a perfect example of the challenges faced by young players at Real Madrid.

Despite showing promise and proving himself in key matches, the lack of consistent opportunities means that even the most talented academy players can quickly find themselves out of favour.

It is a situation that many young players at the club must contend with, and Asencio’s experience is not unique.

While his debut and early performances gave hope, the reality of competing for a spot in the first team at Real Madrid is much harsher, with competition for places often overwhelming the chances given to homegrown talent.