Marc Cucurella threatens Yamal and decries German hate ahead of Clasico

Marc Cucurella explained on Cadena COPE that, because of ongoing harassment from German fans – they took it out on me – he wanted to intimidate Lamine Yamal before the Clasico. Despite his threat to put Yamal on the bench in the second Clasico, the intimidation contributed to Real Madrid's 2‑1 victory.

The 28‑year‑old full‑back confronted the Catalan teenager with the words: „I told him that he will be in the starting lineup for the first Clasico, but on the bench for the second, because I will eat him.“ The intimidation attempts did not miss their effect. Throughout the match he largely neutralised the attacking efforts of the exceptional talent. When asked about the post‑match interview, he replied: „Nothing. I have nothing to say. I am satisfied. We won, and I had a good game.“

Sporting Turnaround and Rivalry

The performance in the 2‑1 victory marked a sporting turnaround for the Spaniard after a dry spell in which he could not reach his usual level. Afterwards he noticeably regained his stability. Despite the rivalry with national‑team colleague Lamine Yamal he assessed it soberly: „I will certainly play many matches against him, and he will reap the laurels.“ While he enjoys great popularity in his home country, he is regularly confronted with whistles and boos in Germany.

Besides the Clasico he addressed the persistently tense relationship with German football fans. The cause, he said, was the controversial, unexpected handball in the quarter‑final of Euro 2024 between Germany and Spain. „They took it out on me, and I know I cannot play in Germany,“ Cucurella said. He stressed that he will not change: „I like to be quiet and do my job.“