Is the word escalei the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

No.

While the spelling, grammar, and core meaning of "escalei" (the first-person singular preterite of escalar) are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese, there are differences in typical usage, pronunciation, and the accompanying vocabulary.

• Usage: In Brazil, "escalar" is very commonly used as a direct verb to mean assigning someone to a work shift or a roster (e.g., "Eu escalei o médico"). In Portugal, while grammatically correct, a native speaker would more naturally use the phrase "fazer a escala" (e.g., "Eu fiz a escala do médico").
• Vocabulary: The objects that "escalei" acts upon differ. A Brazilian would say "time" (team), whereas a Portuguese person would say "equipa." A Brazilian might say "show," while a Portuguese person would say "espetáculo."
• Pronunciation: In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels are typically more open and clearly articulated. In Continental Portuguese, vowels are often reduced or "swallowed" (vowel reduction), making the "e" much shorter and the rhythm of the word more stress-timed.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Escalei o time para o jogo de hoje. (I fielded the team for today's game.)
2. Escalei o funcionário para o plantão da noite. (I scheduled the employee for the night shift.)
3. Escalei a montanha com muita dificuldade. (I climbed the mountain with much difficulty.)
4. Escalei o muro para ver o show. (I climbed the wall to see the show.)
5. Escalei o mapa para encontrar o caminho. (I scaled the map to find the way.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Escalei a equipa para o jogo de hoje. (I fielded the team for today's game.)
2. Fiz a escala do funcionário para o turno da noite. (I scheduled the employee for the night shift.)
3. Escalei a montanha com muita dificuldade. (I climbed the mountain with much difficulty.)
4. Escalei o muro para ver o espetáculo. (I climbed the wall to see the show.)
5. Escalei o mapa para encontrar o trajeto. (I scaled the map to find the way.)