Hugo Martínez González, better known as Capi, is experiencing an unforgettable season. In the same week he signed a contract extension with boyhood club Albacete, the academy graduate celebrated by scoring the winning goal against Cultural. “It couldn’t have gone better. I renewed with the club of my life, and on top of that, I was lucky enough to score my first goal today,” he said in a press conference.
The goal was a classic product of the club’s youth system: Fran Gámez delivered a cross, fellow academy product and recent contract extender Dani Bernabéu headed it across, and Capi smashed a stunning volley to give his team the victory. Born in the capital of La Mancha 19 years ago, Capi is breaking records at a rapid pace. According to the portal ‘quesomecanico.com’, it has been 18 years since a locally-born player scored in his debut professional season. The last to do so was Jaime Romero, who was born in the Albacete town of Valdeganga.
Capi’s success has opened the door for more local talent. The Manchego academy is on the rise: this weekend, Atlético Albacete will play the first leg of the promotion playoffs to Segunda RFEF against CD Toledo. The young players coached by Ricardo Fajardo will surely be aiming for the same success that Capi has achieved.
