The Chelsea defender can’t wait to face his former club.
Marc Cucurella was born in Alella, Barcelona, and even came through the famed La Masia academy. Now, the Spanish defender is preparing to face his old club in the Champions League—making the upcoming match “very special” for him. He said he is fired up for the battle.
Chelsea will host Barcelona on Wednesday in the Champions League, with kickoff at 2 a.m. Bangladesh time at Stamford Bridge.
Cucurella played for Barcelona’s youth team from 2012 to 2016, then spent two more years with Barcelona B. He made one senior appearance for the first team in the Copa del Rey during the 2017–18 season.
He has also faced Barcelona before while playing for Spanish clubs Eibar and Getafe. It’s been nearly five years since that last meeting, and now, after joining Chelsea in 2022, he is set to go up against the Spanish champions once again.
Cucurella shares the Spain national team with several Barcelona players—now set to be his opponents. The 27-year-old opened up about his feelings ahead of the match.
“The match is very special for me and my family. I played against them many years ago and now I have another chance in the Champions League. I hope we play a good match and get the three points.”
He also praised his former club.
“Barça are a great team. This year maybe they haven’t fully controlled matches, but they are league and cup champions. They are doing well and have a lot of talent.”
If all goes as expected, Cucurella may be tasked with stopping Barcelona’s young sensation Lamine Yamal. Like Yamal, he also grew up in La Masia. He is hopeful he can keep his national teammate quiet.
“Tomorrow’s battle won’t be Cucurella vs Lamine. It will be very difficult, but I hope we play well and win. Against a player like him, you never know what to expect, but I know him a little and I can help my team. It will be eleven vs eleven. Hopefully we take the three points, which is very important for us.”
