Day two digest: Mutuactivos Open de España

Everything you need to know from day two in Madrid.

Home heroes, huge crowds and Fisher taking flight were the big stories on day two of the Mutuactivos Open de España.

Here is everything you need to know from the second round in Madrid.

Home heroes rule the roost

Players are often heard to describe their home open as the fifth Major, such is the importance of victory in your own country. Jon Rahm tasted that last season and after 36 holes at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, it looked likely a Spaniard could lead the way again. Ryder Cup player and three time European Tour winner Rafa Cabrera Bello shared the lead at 11 under with Adri Arnaus, a three time runner up on his debut season. Surprise package Samuel De Val was one shot back, with Rahm just two shots off the lead in an all Spanish top four. Throw in Adrian Otaegui at six under and we had five Spaniards in the top ten.

Globetrotting Del Val enjoying home comforts

There are few people in the field for whom a win this week would be more life changing than Del Val. The American based Spaniard is currently without any playing privileges and has been travelling the world looking for a golfing home. "This is my 20th week of the last 23," he said. "I’ve been away from home for four months. I’ve been playing PGA Tour China, had some invites on the Challenge Tour too. After losing my card on the Web.com Tour last year, I decided to try and have both ways to get back to where I think I should be playing. I have both stages of second stage at the end of the month for the Korn Ferry Tour and here in Europe." A win on Sunday would change all that.

Big birds send Fisher flying

When Ross Fisher was stood on the seventh tee with just three holes to play, it looked like he would be struggling to make the cut. Two holes and just five shots later he was five under. After making eagles on the fourth and 14th on day one, his three at the seventh meant he had a full set on the par fives. A sublime iron on the eighth spun back into the cup for a two and the Englishman had four eagles for his first two rounds. "To have four this week, and I came really close yesterday to my second albatross in three weeks, it literally finished three or four inches from going in," he said. "Two eagles yesterday on the par fives, they were kind to me, and to make another one and then hole a shot, it was a nice day."

Spanish crowds come out in force

Spain is one of Europe's great golfing nations and as well as producing some wonderful players, it brings out some of the most passionate and knowledgeable fans.The Arnaus, Cabrera Bello and Rahm group regularly had groups five deep around the greens and even bigger crowds can be expected over the weekend. "It’s amazing," said Sergio Garcia, who took significant crowds of his own round the course. "I love playing everywhere in the world but playing at home is always special. Playing in front of home crowds is very nice. It’s one of the nicest feelings you can have and I’ve been very fortunate to do very well in Spain throughout my career."

Ollie's big finish

Many of the fans may have been following the young guns but the great José María Olazábal can still draw a crowd as well. The 53-year-old two time Masters Champion may not be quite the force he once was after a host of injury troubles but, ever the showman, he rolled back the years to birdie the last and get the biggest cheer of the week.