When the EHL draw was made in the summer, SV Kampong’s date with hosts Real Club de Polo was almost immediately pegged as one of the standout clashes.

Two of the EHL’s most frequent competitors, the contest had the added Luis Calzado-related intrigue. The giant goalkeeper was set to return to his family club just a few months since his summer move, the club where his grandfather was club president and he learned his trade to become one of the world’s best between the posts.

In the week before that showdown, he reflects on this early comeback.

“Returning to Eduardo Dualde will always be special for me,” he said. “It is the field where I experienced many important moments, where I have grown as a player and as a person.

“It will feel strange to be on the visiting bench after seven seasons in the first team defending that shirt, but I am also looking forward to meeting friends, teammates and all the people at the club who helped me so much along my path.

“Dualde will always be a place to return to with a smile. From the club that supported me so much in my development in this beautiful club.⁠”

As for the challenge, he says there will be no room for sentiment as he dons his new colours in Barcelona.

“We face the game with great motivation,” he adds. “We are very aware of Polo’s level and the boost that playing at home gives them, supported by their fans; it will be a demanding match.

“We will have to perform at our best if we want to have a chance of winning. Our goal is to offer quality hockey and help spectators enjoy this magnificent club competition.”