Real Madrid visit the RCDE Stadium this weekend, but Espanyol 's Urko Gonzalez de Zarate is not approaching the visit of Jose Mourinho's side with fear.
The Espanyol midfielder knows exactly what it feels like to beat Los Blancos at home.
His first appearance for the club came against Real Madrid on 1 February 2025, a match that ended in a memorable 1-0 victory for the Catalan side.
Now, with Real Madrid back at the same stadium, Urko wants history to repeat itself.
The midfielder has started the new season as he finished the previous one: as one of Manolo Gonzalez's most trusted players.
Operating as the anchor in Espanyol's midfield, he is expected to play an important role once again when they attempt to stop a Real Madrid side beginning a new chapter under Mourinho.
And despite acknowledging the quality available to the visitors, Urko believes Espanyol have every reason to believe.
For Urko, the upcoming match brings back a special memory, as his Espanyol debut came during Real Madrid's previous visit to the RCDE Stadium, and the occasion could hardly have gone better.
Espanyol secured a famous 1-0 win, giving the midfielder a memorable introduction to life with the first team. Looking back at that night, Urko said,
Urko Gonzalez de Zarate made his Espanyol debut against Real Madrid. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)
"I remember that match with great joy, to be honest. We managed to beat Madrid and hopefully we can repeat that result tomorrow."
The midfielder is now a far more established figure in Manolo Gonzalez's plans.
He has become one of the undisputed regulars in the Espanyol midfield and will again be tasked with helping his side compete against one of the strongest squads in La Liga.
Asked whether another victory over Real Madrid is possible, Urko did not hesitate.
"Yes, of course we do. With the team we've got, we can stand up to anyone. I'm really looking forward to Saturday and hope we can take all three points."
Mourinho's side arrive with significant quality throughout the squad, particularly in midfield, but Urko insists that Espanyol's approach will not change depending on who starts for the visitors.
"It doesn't matter who plays. They've got a very good team, that's obvious. But I'll say it again: we're going all out against them."
Urko believes the key for Espanyol will be to remain true to the identity that has helped them become a competitive side under Manolo Gonzalez.
The home crowd could also have an important role to play, particularly against opponents of Real Madrid's level.
Urko Gonzalez de Zarate is confident of beating Real Madrid. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)
"I think the important thing is to do what we always do well. Start strongly and with conviction.
"After all, we're playing at home and that has to show; and obviously, against teams like Real Madrid, you have to be not 100 per cent but 110 per cent to get something out of the game."
Espanyol will face a different-looking Real Madrid under Mourinho, but Urko has made it clear that his side will focus on their own strengths rather than becoming overly concerned with individual opponents.
"They're a very well-rounded team, but we've got our own strengths too, and I'm sure we'll give them a run for their money and can take all three points on Saturday."
The midfielder was also asked about Martin Zubimendi , whom he has previously described as both a role model and mentor.
With the Arsenal midfielder having been linked with Real Madrid , Urko was not willing to add much to the speculation.
"I don't know anything about that sort of thing (laughs). He's at Arsenal; he's a very good player and contributes a lot to the English side.
"He's settled there, he's happy, and as for the rest, I've no idea,"he concluded.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
