Marc Cucurella Makes Real Madrid Debut in Pre-Season Win

Marc Cucurella’s wait is over. On a warm pre-season night in Gelsenkirchen, the defender finally pulled on the Real Madrid shirt in a game situation, stepping onto the pitch at the Veltins-Arena as Los Blancos wrapped up a confidence-boosting win over Schalke 04.

He entered in the 61st minute, a routine substitution on paper, but a landmark moment for a player who has been edging towards this debut all summer. These were his first pre-season minutes, a brief but important window to feel the pace, the pressure, and the weight of that white jersey.

For Real Madrid, the match served as one of the final tune‑ups before the League campaign. For Cucurella, it felt like a small reward after a long stretch of hard work and patience.

“I am very happy,” he told Realmadrid TV after the final whistle, the relief obvious in his words. “I think it was a great match for everyone and a great result before starting the League. These were my first minutes, and I’m very eager. The wait was long, but now, little by little, I’m getting into rhythm and looking forward to starting the League.”

The cameo was about more than just fitness. It was a first real connection with a new dressing room in competitive conditions, a first chance to slot into the patterns of a side that expects to challenge for every trophy available.

“Very good. I think with these teammates, everything is easier,” he said. “These were the first minutes of the season, and little by little, I’m finding my rhythm, and soon the real competition begins.”

There is no disguising what this move means to him. The defender spoke openly about the journey that has brought him here, and the work that sits behind a seemingly simple 30-minute outing in a pre-season friendly.

“I am very happy. Behind all this, there is a lot of work, and all the effort I’ve put in over the years has been worth it. I’m very happy with everything that’s happening to me, and I hope it continues this way - winning titles and, above all, being able to enjoy this experience.”

That word – group – matters at Real Madrid. Stars define the club, but dressing-room chemistry often decides seasons. Cucurella already senses a core that can carry him along.

“They are really good people. I think they make it very easy for everyone to adapt,” he explained. “The important thing is to have a good group so that it shows on the field that we are united. That’s how you win.”

The supporters have not seen much of him on the pitch yet, but they have made their presence felt on his phone. Messages, encouragement, expectations – the full Real Madrid package has arrived quickly.

“I’ve received many messages, and I will always try to give my best in every minute I have,” he said. “I think the most important thing, and what we all want, is to win titles with this jersey.”

One debut is out of the way. The next step is clear: turn those first pre-season minutes into a role when the real games start and prove he can be part of a side built, as he says, “to win titles with this jersey.”