Players with experience of the Alfredo Di Stefano

Valencia CF play at the Alfredo di Stefano for the first time this Thursday, as Real Madrid convert their training ground into the venue for their remaining home fixtures this term. Whilst it is uncharted territory for the team, several players have ample experience of Valdebebas thanks to their respective spells with ‘Los Blancos.’

Parejo’s injury time goal against Santa Brígida

Aged 17, Dani Parejo debuted at the ground on January 20th, 2007, featuring against Cádiz CF for the final 21 minutes. The following season he was one of the cornerstones of Real Madrid Castilla, and Di Stefano himself became a big fan of the future VCF captain.

One of his finest performances at the stadium was on February 3rd, 2008, taking on UD Villa Santa Brigada. With the clock ticking down and the score still at 0-0 fans began filing out -including Di Stefano. Deep into stoppage time, Parejo broke the deadlock with a stunning free kick from 30 metres out. The following day, Di Stefano lamented having missed the fantastic winning goal due to his early exit.

Parejo’s first goal at the stadium had come that same season against Pontevedra. He was the designated set piece taker, but time was running out and Juanmi Callejon took a quick corner -met by Parejo with a header to make it 2-2.

Rodrigo’s rapidfire goal on his debut at the Di Stéfano

He only played a single season for the youth team, but Rodrigo was a standout for Real Madrid Castilla. In his first home appearance for them, against UD Lanzarote, he found the net just two minutes after entering as a substitute. He had replaced David Vázquez in the 57th minute, and his equaliser made way for a 3-2 turnaround. Rodrigo would score five goals before departing for Bolton Wanderers.

Cheryshev and promotion to the Segunda División

In 2011/12, a RM Castilla side including Denis Cheryshev won Grupo I of Segunda B and earned promotion. He played the final minutes of the game in which the ascent was clinched, before celebrating on the pitch in front of over 7,000-plus fans.

The Russian also scored a brace for the club in the Segunda División, on December 9th, 2012 against Racing Santander. He would wear the captain’s armband at the final whistle.

Sobrino also familiar with the Alfredo Di Stefano

Another player with home experience at the stadium is Ruben Sobrino, who was on the books at Real Madrid when they played AD Alcorcon there. This will, however, be his first time there in opposition.