The dream debut of Álex Baena

In the dressing room at Nuevo Los Cármenes, the international players walked one by one in line to sign Álex Baena’s shirt, the fifth debutant of the Luis de la Fuente era. The midfielder was ecstatic, immensely happy as his teammates left their dedications on the shirt with the number 17. "I have all the debut shirts at home, but I think this one is going to be special. I'll frame it and give it to my mother, who is the most important person and was watching me from the stands," he explained. 

It was a perfect debut, marked by Spain's victory over Cyprus (6-0) and a goal by Baena. "Not even in my wildest dreams. You can't imagine this even in the best dream. I am very happy to debut and to help the team with the goal. And, above all, for the team's victory, we played a great game." 

It was a wonderful performance by the national team, and Baena enjoyed it like a child. He entered in the 76th minute, and in the 77th minute, he was already celebrating his first goal wearing the red shirt. "It happened in the first attack we had, thanks to Joselu, who provided me with the assist with a backheel."

Baena will remember these days in September forever, starting from the moment he set foot in the Ciudad del Fútbol de Las Rozas. "For me, being in the senior team is a dream. I have so much respect for who the players are, for the careers they've had, but in the end, they also help you settle into the dressing room. It's been ten spectacular days, and I will cherish them as a memory."