Real Madrid News
Marc Cucurella urges Chelsea mainstay to join him at Real Madrid: ‘Would be great’
Marc Cucurella has barely arrived at Real Madrid, but the Spanish international is already embracing the expectations that come with representing the European champions.
Speaking to Radio Marca, the left-back reflected on his move to the Santiago Bernabeu, discussed what it will take to succeed under the spotlight and revealed why he hopes former Chelsea teammate Enzo Fernandez joins him in Madrid before the transfer window closes.
Cucurella opens up on life at Real Madrid
After completing one of the biggest moves of the summer, Cucurella acknowledged that wearing the Real Madrid shirt comes with constant pressure and demands.
The defender admitted he is fully aware of the challenge that lies ahead.
“It’s a huge challenge. All the players at Madrid are good. Fitting in at Real Madrid isn’t easy.
“You have to be at 100 per cent in every match. Every team wants to beat you,” he said.
Cucurella was also asked about playing alongside Vinicius Jr., with the pair expected to form Real Madrid’s new left side next season.
Rather than focusing on individual responsibilities, the former Chelsea defender made it clear he is prepared to do whatever benefits the team most.
“I think I’ll get on well with him. I don’t mind if he doesn’t drop back; I’ll do whatever he doesn’t want to do.
“As long as he’s decisive and fresh enough to score goals, I’ll take care of the dirty work.
“Vinicius has shown that he’s a decisive and influential player in Real Madrid’s Champions League campaigns.”
Cucurella hopes Enzo completes Real Madrid move
One of the biggest talking points from the interview came when Cucurella discussed Enzo Fernandez, who has been repeatedly linked with a move away from Chelsea.
Having spent time together in London, the Spanish defender admitted he would welcome the Argentine midfielder at Real Madrid.
“He’s a great player as well as a friend of mine. He’s congratulated me on the move. I hope it goes through. I’d be very happy.
“We’ve been very happy at Chelsea, and it would be great if we both had the chance to sign for Madrid this summer.
“I hope he’s lucky and becomes a Real Madrid player,” he concluded.
Real Madrid are all set to take on Rayo Vallecano in their fifth La Liga match of the 2026/27 season in a little over an hour at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Having lost their previous league game to Real Betis, the Merengues will be eager to get things back on track and close the gap to leaders Barcelona, who are three points clear.
Diomande’s first start
With kickoff not far away, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has announced the starting lineup that will take the field against Rayo Vallecano.
And the biggest headline is that marquee summer signing Yan Diomande makes his first start for Real Madrid.
The €140 million arrival from RB Leipzig has been drip-fed minutes off the bench so far by the manager, but has been thrust into the team tonight, replacing Brahim Diaz on the right flank.
What it also means is that Arda Guler has been left out by Mourinho after the youngster missed the midweek clash against Inter Milan through suspension.
Bernardo Silva, who was also unavailable for the Champions League clash, is back in the double pivot for Real Madrid, where he partners club captain Federico Valverde.
Jude Bellingham continues in the attacking midfield position, while Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. retain their places in the team as well.
In defence, there are a couple of alterations as Antonio Rudiger and Alvaro Carreras come into the side at the expense of Dean Huijsen and Marc Cucurella, respectively.
Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries complete the Real Madrid backline that will shield Thibaut Courtois in goal.
📋✅ ¡Nuestro XI inicial!
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) September 12, 2026
🆚 @RayoVallecano
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