If Marc Cucurella’s departure from Chelsea came as a surprise, Spain’s inability to beat minnows Cape Verde was even more of a shock. Cucurella impressed, but his teammates failed.
On Monday morning, Cucurella’s £52m move to Real Madrid had been confirmed by the Spanish giants and Chelsea. The move was confirmed in quick fashion after emerging reports surfaced on Sunday.
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Cucurella is the fourth signing of Jose Mourinho’s second spell at Real Madrid, following Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries in moving to the La Liga giants ahead of the summer window.
On the same day as Cucurella’s move to Madrid was confirmed, he started for Spain in their first match of the 2026 World Cup campaign. As one of the favourites to lift the trophy, Spain were expected to win.
Spanish media have their say on Marc Cucurella’s performance
Luis De La Fuente’s side huffed and puffed, and despite having more than 25 efforts on Vezinho’s goal, they failed to make the breakthrough. It was a nervous performance, and one lacking Lamine Yamal.
The Barcelona superstar came on with 20 minutes left to play and Spain improved, but they could not find the breakthrough. Cucurella was impressive on the left, despite the off-field distractions on Monday.
Indeed, Cucurella created arguably Spain’s best chance, his header finding Ferran Torres, who inexplicably hit the bar from six yards out. Spanish outlet El Desmarque said Cucurella was Spain’s best player.
Giving him a rating of 7.5, they said: “His attacking runs constantly surprised a resolute Cape Verde side. A constant threat down the left flank, he was the source of Spain’s best moments in their opening match.”
Cucurella is yet to break his silence on his Real Madrid move
It is a poorly kept secret that Cucurella wanted to return to Spain this summer after his stint at Brighton, and then four years at Chelsea. But not many could have seen the La Masia product joining Real Madrid.
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Since the move was confirmed, Cucurella is yet to break his silence on his move to the Bernabeu. His partner, Claudia Rodriguez, however, has posted a statement on her Instagram story since it was agreed.
She underlined how difficult it is going to be adjusting their three children to the move, while finishing the post with a comment Chelsea fans will love. She told fans that “London will always be blue”.
Cucurella has signed a six-year contract with Mourinho’s side, keeping him in Spain until the summer of 2032. Chelsea have made a £17.5m book profit on the sale, even if he cost £60m back in 2022.
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