Alex Fernandez: A kick from Nacho? No doubt, I'm sure I'll get one

On 27 May 2012, Alex and Nacho Fernandez lined up for Real Madrid Castilla, beating Cadiz 5-1 at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.

Fast forward just over eight years and the duo are set to line up against one another in the same stadium but for opposing sides, as Nacho's Real Madrid face Cadiz, where Alex now plies his trade.

Alongside Alex will be another Real Madrid academy graduate in Alvaro Negredo.

Alex and Nacho have met once before in professional football, but this, where the brothers spent their formative years, will be altogether more special, and it is a game that is being much anticipated by their parents - in Alcala de Henares - and their extended families.

"I'm coming back to where I spent 10 years of my life and where I grew up," Alex told MARCA.

"Real Madrid gave me everything to make it as a footballer, and the fact that the game will be against my brother, who has been such an example to me, will be something else."

The pair talk every day, and nerves are to be expected ahead of such a momentous meeting.

"I just want to enjoy it," Alex said.

"We've been talking about what will happen if we come up against one another in the match. I've obviously got to be professional and do all I can to help us win, but it will be a weird feeling."

As could be expected amongst brothers, Alex is expecting to be on the receiving end of a tackle from his older brother.

"[A kick] from Nacho? No doubt! I'm sure I'll get one," he stated. "We have to be professional and everyone defends their own. Like if he has to score a goal in the 90th minute, or I have to take a penalty in 92nd minute. Each to bring about a victory."

Everyone in the family is a Real Madrid supporter, but as Alex explains, there are some who are finding themselves leaning towards Andalusian yellow.

"Nacho's sons like Madrid and Cadiz," he noted.

"They're a bit older than my kids and like to follow both their dad's and uncle's games. The most important thing is that when they grow up, they feel proud and can identify with each club's values."

Alex one day hopes to play with his older brother once again.

"That moment will come," he said. "I'm sure we'd love to do that - and I'm sure it'll happen - but we're not at that point yet."