Espanyol’s Alex Calatrava Ready for Spotlight Against Real Madrid
Espanyol midfielder Alex Calatrava is gearing up for a crucial match against Real Madrid, an event that marks a significant milestone in his budding career. The 26-year-old recently made his debut in La Liga and has taken a moment to reflect on his journey thus far.
In a recent interview with AS, Calatrava expressed his excitement about sharing the pitch with Real Madrid’s star forward Kylian Mbappe, describing the experience as almost surreal. “At most, I used to play with him on the PlayStation, and now I’m going to play against him,” he said when asked if he ever imagined facing Mbappe during his time in Spain’s fifth tier.
Calatrava acknowledged Madrid’s high level of quality but maintained that he aims to approach the match with a sense of normalcy. “I know the level and quality they have, but you have to treat it naturally. They are a rival, another team. In football, anything can happen,” he explained.
When asked about which Real Madrid player’s shirt he would like to collect post-match, Calatrava chose Marc Cucurella, who has his own inspiring path through football. “The truth is, I haven’t really thought about it, but I’d like to see a player like that who’s come up through the ranks just like I did,” he said. He added that he identifies with players on the Spanish national team, who have overcome significant obstacles to reach their dreams.
Cucurella, who started his career at Barcelona and moved to clubs like Getafe and Brighton before signing with Chelsea, has now joined Real Madrid this summer. Calatrava expressed admiration for players who have carved their paths in unique ways rather than simply emerging as teenage icons.
Despite the formidable challenge posed by Jose Mourinho’s reshaped Real Madrid, Calatrava approaches the encounter with confidence rather than apprehension. He humorously mentioned his hope for a 2-0 home victory, though he was cautious not to “jinx” the outcome.
As he prepares for the game this weekend, Calatrava aims to make a strong impression against one of football’s most storied teams. It will be an intriguing clash as he takes the field for what is shaping up to be a defining moment in his career.
Alex Calatrava is preparing for one of the biggest matches of his career, with the Espanyol midfielder set to face Real Madrid.
The 26-year-old made his La Liga debut just a few days ago and has now reflected on how far his career has come.
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In an interview with AS, Calatrava admitted that lining up against Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe on the same pitch feels almost surreal.
‘I used to play with Mbappe on PlayStation’
Calatrava was asked whether, six years ago, while playing for Parets in Spain’s fifth tier, he could ever have imagined facing Mbappe in a competitive match.
“At most, I used to play with him on the PlayStation, and now I’m going to play against him,” Calatrava said.
He then spoke about whether having an Atletico Madrid past made him more determined to win against Los Blancos.
“No, the same, I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a great match,” he said as he laughed.
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The Espanyol player acknowledged Madrid’s quality but insisted he wants to treat the occasion normally.
“I know the level and quality they have, but you have to treat it naturally. They are a rival, another team. In football, anything can happen,” he explained.
Cucurella shirt would be his choice
Calatrava was also asked whether there is a Real Madrid player whose shirt he would like after the match.
After thinking about it, he picked Marc Cucurella. “The truth is, I haven’t really thought about it, but I’d like to see a player like that who’s come up through the ranks just like I did.
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“Look, I’d like to see someone like Cucurella, yes. I’ve never had any idols, even though I’ve always watched a lot of football.
“The players I identify with the most, because they’re living out a dream that I’d like to achieve myself, are the players on the Spanish national team,” he elaborated.
The choice reflects Calatrava’s admiration for players who have worked their way through less conventional pathways rather than simply emerging as teenage superstars.
The Real Madrid summer signing came through the academy at Barcelona and then had to move to Getafe and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Real Madrid are set to face Espanyol in La Liga opener. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)
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After doing the hard yards at those clubs, he then moved to Chelsea before becoming one of the best left-backs in Spain.
He has now moved to Real Madrid this summer to become a starter at the biggest club in the world.
No fear despite Madrid’s quality
Espanyol face a difficult task against Jose Mourinho’s new-look Real Madrid, but Calatrava is approaching the game with confidence rather than intimidation.
He even joked about predicting a home victory, saying he did not want to “jinx” a possible 2-0 result.
Calatrava’s words also offer an insight into how much players grow up admiring players such as Mbappe.
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Many of their opponents grew up watching the Frenchman from afar. Now they are sharing the same pitch.
The 26-year-old will be hoping to make an impression when he faces Madrid this weekend, and it remains to be seen how he fares.
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