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Real Madrid World Cup Spotlight: Cucurella progresses while Courtois suffers an injury
The problem with Real Madrid players facing one another in World Cup games is that one of them is bound to go out at the end of the night.
Last night, Spain and Belgium faced off in the quarter-finals of the marquee tournament, which pitted Marc Cucurella against Thibaut Courtois.
Spain took the lead in the first half through Fabian Ruiz, but Belgium equalised just before half-time to take it level into the second half.
Although La Roja dominated most of the game, they were unable to put Rudi Garcia’s side to the sword and needed a late winner from Mikel Merino.
The Arsenal man ensured Spain progressed to the next round for the second game running, and they now face France in the semi-finals.
Spain vs France is a potential final-worthy clash that is set to come a round early, and there is no doubt that it will be an excellent game.
For Real Madrid, Cucurella lives to fight another day while Courtois comes home, probably with a quadriceps injury.
Here is how the duo fared on the night.
Marc Cucurella vs Belgium
Marc Cucurella continued his run with Spain in their 2-1 quarter-final win over Belgium. The Real Madrid new signing’s performance was not spectacular, but it was another example of why he has become useful for Spain in this tournament.
He gave Luis de la Fuente width, defensive energy and a reliable outlet on the left, even in a match where Belgium carried real threat through transition.
Cucurella is not always elegant, and he does not need to be. His value comes from intensity, aggression and concentration, especially in games where the rhythm changes quickly.
Against Belgium, that mattered. Spain had to manage long spells of pressure, especially after Charles de Ketelaere equalised before half-time.
Cucurella’s job was to keep his flank stable, avoid cheap fouls and link up well with the left winger ahead of him. He did not produce the decisive action, but it was yet another solid night for Los Blancos’ marquee summer signing.
Thibaut Courtois vs Spain
Courtois’ night was much more painful. He suffered muscle discomfort after a long kick, tried to continue, but was eventually replaced early in the second half. He was visibly emotional after coming off.
That moment changed the tone of the game. Courtois had already made saves and given Belgium the kind of authority Madrid fans know so well.
Losing him at that stage was a huge blow. His replacement, Senne Lammens, was later involved in Spain’s winning goal, failing to hold Pau Cubarsi’s low effort before Merino finished the rebound.
Courtois encouraged the Manchester United goalkeeper afterwards, which says plenty about his leadership even on a brutal personal night.
For Real Madrid, the main concern now is physical. Courtois’ World Cup is over, but the bigger question is how serious the injury is and how quickly he recovers.
They will hope that their number one shot-stopper recovers soon and is available for pre-season under Jose Mourinho.
Overall, this was a bittersweet Real Madrid day. Cucurella marched on with Spain, while Courtois left the tournament in the cruellest way possible.
Real Madrid will lock horns with Elche CF away at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero later tonight in Matchday 6 of the 2026/27 La Liga season.
The Merengues are currently second in the league standings with four wins and one defeat from five games, three points behind Barcelona, who are yet to drop a single point this term, and have looked unstoppable.
Given the situation, Real Madrid know there is no room for slip-up, even though it is still very early in the season.
Jose Mourinho’s men have not been particularly convincing away from home this term, having just about managed to beat RCD Espanyol in their opening match before falling to their only defeat of the campaign against Real Betis.
The hope will be to address that issue and put in a strong performance while collecting all three points heading into the derby against Atletico Madrid later in the week.
Going into the match, Los Blancos have not received any new fitness boosts, with Eder Militao, Rodrygo Goes, and Ferland Mendy still unavailable.
However, there will likely be some rotations with an eye on the derby, and here’s how Mourinho could set his team up against Elche tonight.
Defence
Trent Alexander-Arnold has had to share minutes with summer signing Denzel Dumfries so far this season, but will be hoping to make the right-back spot his own with a convincing performance tonight against Elche.
Meanwhile, on the left, Alvaro Carreras is expected to retain his place after a brilliant display at the weekend against Rayo Vallecano, which would also allow Marc Cucurella to be protected before the derby.
At centre-back, Dean Huijsen is expected to return to the starting lineup, at the expense of Antonio Rudiger, and partner with Ibrahima Konate.
Thibaut Courtois is the undisputed starter in goal for Real Madrid and will continue his search for a second clean sheet this season.
Midfield
While Aurelien Tchouameni has returned from his injury layoff, he is unlikely to be rushed back by Mourinho. As such, the Frenchman is likely to feature off the bench once again tonight at Elche.
Instead, the double pivot pairing of Federico Valverde and Bernardo Silva is expected to take the field once again, with Eduardo Camavinga also having to settle for a spot among the substitutes.
Jude Bellingham has started all of Real Madrid’s matches so far this season and given his form and importance to the team, Mourinho will not rotate him tonight against Elche.
Attack
Yan Diomande made his first start at Real Madrid last weekend against Rayo Vallecano but failed to make the best impression.
Meanwhile, Arda Guler was once again brilliant for Los Blancos after coming on as a substitute, making a strong case for him to be reinstated to the starting XI on the right wing.
As for the left side of the attack, Vinicius Jr. will retain his place, hoping to find his best form after a rather slow start to the campaign.
Kylian Mbappe, who has now scored six goals in La Liga this season, will spearhead the attack, hoping to end his run of seven months without scoring away from home in the league.
