For two young players trained by La Fábrica, the night marked the reward for years of hard work, patience and faith.
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One of the most notable stories was that of David Jiménez, who finally stepped onto the pitch with the first team after spending 13 incredible seasons in the Real Madrid youth academy.
Speaking after the match, the young defender struggled to hide his emotion as he reflected on the moment. He described the feeling saying: “I could be the happiest child in the world.
“It’s a dream come true. I want to thank the coach, the coaching staff and all the players who have welcomed me so warmly.”
Expressing nervousness
Jiménez also admitted that nerves were inevitable at the beginning. Making your debut for Real Madrid is rarely a smooth experience, especially in a competitive tie.
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Remembering those first moments, he explained: “I was nervous. But as time went by I started to relax. I’m very happy with my debut and the team’s victory.”
Real Madrid beat Talavera in the Copa del Rey. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
The night ended with a personal memory that will stay with him forever. His teammates signed his match shirt, a gesture that underlined the unity within the squad.
Jiménez revealed that he plans to frame it in his room “so I can see him every day” turning the t-shirt into a daily reminder of a lifelong dream fulfilled.
Jorge Cestero takes the stage
Jiménez was not the only product of the academy who experienced that feeling. Jorge Cestero, another La Fábrica graduate, also debuted with the first team.
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Reflecting on his moment, he said: “It is the dream of every Real Madrid child, it has come true and I am the happiest child in the world.
“I was a little nervous, but I really wanted to go out. I changed quickly and flew over there.”
In addition, Cestero also spoke about the players who have marked his evolution and named Casemiro and Toni Kroos as the two figures he has studied the most over the years.
Source: Real Madrid TV