To play in Madrid is notoriously difficult, even more so for young players with no experience. Lucas Vazquez and Marco Asensio know this well. One came through the academy, the other was courted by Barcelona after standing out at Mallorca. Both, however, broke into the Real Madrid setup vie the same path: a scintilating loan spell at Espanyol.
Lucas had knocked on the door after spending all of his career in the 'blanco' of Real Madrid. But, it was the 2014/15 season, and Vazquez was told at the last minute that the best option for him would be a loan deal. Espanyol were there to take him in. Lucas knew that it was a unique opportunity to stand out and he wasn't going to pass it up.
He played almost 40 games, scoring four goals to go with seven assists. It was clear from the day he arrived at Cornella that he was talented. As a result Real Madrid did not think twice about him again and he has become one of their more successful products.
Asensio's case is different, a player who opened the scoring against Real Betis last week with a close range header, just days after he tore PSG apart from the wing in a ten minute cameo. He was a star in the making when he first came into the division three years ago. Espanyol got themselves a stunning player for a year who scored four goals and provided 12 assists. A warning of what was to come.
After a season of ups and downs, Lucas and Asensio have hit their stride just when Real Madrid have needed it most. In the last run of games, Vazquez has been unplayable, scoring and assisting in equal measure. In fact, Lucas has been Real Madrid's most creative player this season.
Asensio, who missed the game against Alaves, will likely be in the starting eleven on Tuesday with Cristiano Ronaldo being given the night off. With Asensio it doesn't matter who he's playing, his game can adapt to any opponent, and he wants more - his eyes are looking toward the second leg against PSG.
Lucas and Asensio, Asensio and Lucas; two players whose dreams have come true. One thing is for sure though, Espanyol will be doing their best to ruin their homecoming on Tuesday.