Marc Cucurella Reacts to His Preseason Debut with Real Madrid

After signing in the summer of 2026, the now-left-back for Real Madrid, Marc Cucurella, finally made his long-awaited debut in the white jersey.

On Sunday, Real Madrid played their last friendly match of the season. The match was against FC Schalke 04 (0-3), and the Merengues secured a convincing win.

Fans celebrated the team's third consecutive win, but what they were most excited to see in this match was the debut of former Chelsea FC player Cucurella, 28.

His name was on the list of players who would travel to Gelsenkirchen, but his starting status was unknown.

Marc entered the pitch in the second half, and although he appeared nervous at first and made some unusual plays, he quickly gained confidence and finished the match alongside his teammates.

Speaking to Real Madrid TV, Cucurella described his feelings on his debut for Real Madrid, expressing his happiness at having contributed to the team and assuring that he will return with much more rhythm at the start of La Liga.

"I am very happy. I think it was a great match for everyone and a great result before starting the League. They were the first minutes, and with great desire. The wait was long, but little by little, I am picking up the rhythm, and I am eager to start the League."

The No. 17 also praised his teammates, assuring that with teammates like them, everything is easier because, as they say, the big stars of Real Madrid, such as Kylian Mbappe, Dean Huijsen, and Carlos Espi, made their appearance at the right moments.

Hard work always has its reward, and Cucurella knows it. Speaking to the same media, he assured them that behind his first minutes there is a lot of work and effort, emphasising that he will give his best in every minute he has on the pitch.

"Behind all of this, there is a lot of work, and all the effort I have put in these years has been worth it. I am very happy with everything that is happening to me, and hopefully it continues like this, winning titles and, above all, being able to enjoy this experience," he assured.

The Schalke 04 fans, however, were not so friendly with Cucurella. At the time of his debut, the opposing fans received him with a chorus of whistles.

This matter dates back to the quarterfinal match of the 2024 European Championship, when Spain faced Germany (2-1), and it was pointed out that there was a handball in the area, but the referee at the time decided not to award a penalty. In the end, UEFA's Referees Committee admitted its mistake months later.

But the whistles didn't seem to affect Marc, as he looked happy at the end of the match, thanking everyone for the warm reception. The next question is whether the new Real Madrid coach, Jose Mourinho, will choose him to start in the next league match.

Real Madrid will officially begin the season on Saturday, Aug. 22, where its rival will be RCD Espanyol, and with a strong squad that is being incorporated little by little, like the possible return of Eder Militao in the coming months, we can expect great things from this "new" team.