RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Marc Cucurella got the start Jose Mourinho had been building toward, and he delivered exactly the kind of performance that justifies it.
Real Madrid thrashed Malaga 4-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu, with Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham both shining in an emphatic team display.
But much of the pre-match attention had already shifted to Cucurella, who made his first start for the club after Mourinho hinted at the decision in his press conference ahead of the LaLiga matchday 3 fixture.
Notably, the Spaniard did not waste the opportunity.
Cucurella played the full 90 minutes, looking assured defensively while still offering the attacking width Real Madrid wanted from the position.
A strong debut start
Cucurella put on a solid defensive performance against Malaga. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Statistically, Cucurella made five ball recoveries and completed 50 passes across the match , figures that show how difficult he made things for Malaga’s attackers throughout the game.
That defensive solidity was reinforced by the double pivot of Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga in front of him, giving Cucurella extra cover whenever Malaga tried to build through the middle.
He also won both of his attempted tackles and made a clearance , capping off a tidy defensive return.
Mourinho now has genuine competition at left-back
Cucurella’s arrival has given Mourinho an important option in a position where Alvaro Carreras is also pushing for minutes .
The Malaga game offered the first real indication of why Mourinho considers the Spain international capable of becoming his first-choice left-back.
Cucurella will be Mourinho’s first-choice left-back. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Five recoveries, two tackles won, a clearance, and a full 90 minutes without looking overwhelmed. That is a strong platform for any player making a first start, let alone one still building match fitness.
If this level holds, it puts real pressure on Carreras for competing for that left-back spot.
Mourinho now has evidence, not just conviction, that Cucurella can handle the physical and tactical demands of the role.
The next few weeks, against tougher opposition, will show whether this was the start of a settled run or simply a strong opening statement.
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