Marc Cucurella described Wednesday’s 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad as a “beautiful day” after making his first appearance at the Santiago Bernabeu as a Real Madrid player and being honoured for his performances at the most recent World Cup.
The occasion gave Cucurella the chance to present the World Cup to the home supporters, while Real Madrid produced an impressive performance to secure a convincing win. The defender also recalled a humorous moment involving Mikel Oyarzabal, who allowed him to stand alone in front of the crowd.
“He left me there alone, in the open (laughs), but it’s fine, I’m happy. It was a very important and special day,” Cucurella said.
“I don’t think you can ask for much more: to receive this honour in a stadium like this, in front of our supporters, and then for the team to win after producing a great performance. It’s a very beautiful day for me.”
Cucurella has enjoyed a remarkable year, having won the World Cup, signed for Real Madrid and now presented the trophy at the Bernabeu.
“A lot of things are happening, it’s true, but I’m very happy and enjoying every moment,” he added. “To get here and achieve all of this, I had to work hard. I think this is a reward for all the work I have done, and I hope we can share more happy moments together.”
Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham were among the outstanding players against Real Sociedad. Cucurella said their influence extended beyond the goals they scored and the attacking threat they provided.
“They are extremely important; they can cause danger from anywhere and are capable of scoring goals,” he said. “They were decisive and had a great game, but alongside the goals, we must also highlight the effort they put in: the way they pressed and the way they ran until they were substituted.”
He believes the attacking trio will continue to develop their understanding as the season progresses.
“Little by little, we will get to know one another better, continue improving and do what the manager asks of us. It’s a great start,” said Cucurella.
The defender also addressed the occasional jeers from Real Madrid supporters, saying the demanding atmosphere at the Bernabeu should act as an incentive rather than a distraction.
“We understand that the fans are extremely demanding. They have watched great players, great matches and won many trophies,” he said. “It isn’t a bad thing, those occasional boos; they motivate us and remind us that we cannot relax.
“The supporters want us to give our best for this shirt. When we give our best, we may win on some days and not on others, but in the end the results will come.”
Asked about the team and Jose Mourinho’s management, Cucurella said he was pleased with the direction of the group and praised the manager’s work.
“I’m very happy. He is doing a great job, and little by little we are seeing the results of our efforts,” he said. “There are some players we have not had enough time to prepare, but he is managing the situation excellently.
“We have a very talented squad, and it does not matter who plays. What matters is that we are always ready and give our best for the team.”
Cucurella has already fulfilled a promise to have a tattoo commemorating the World Cup. When asked whether he would have the energy to get another if Real Madrid win the Champions League, he replied: “We will see. Things do not always go as we hope, and you have to keep your promises. What I promised had to be done, and I’m very happy. That would be a great achievement; we will see.”
Reflecting on his first match at the Bernabeu, Cucurella said he was satisfied with his performance despite one chance that did not come off.
“Things went well. I think I was going to take a shot, but things became a little complicated and it was gradually called off,” he said. “It’s my first match here and I’m happy with my performance. We achieved a great result, and hopefully we can repeat it on Sunday against Malaga.”
