Marc Cucurella scores first international goal, image: Sefubol shared via X.
(The Post News)– Marc Cucurella made history by scoring his first international goal for Spain, a moment that not only lifted La Roja to victory over Bulgaria 3-0 but also underlined his growing importance in Luis de la Fuente’s squad.
The Chelsea defender, who has worked tirelessly to establish himself at both club and international levels, finally found the net in a competitive fixture, marking a new chapter in his career. Cucurella has long been admired for his relentless energy, defensive intelligence, and ability to transition into attack. Against Bulgaria, he demonstrated all those qualities, but it was his 52nd-minute strike that stole the spotlight.
Arriving late into the box after a sweeping move, Cucurella latched onto a rebound and slotted past the goalkeeper, sparking celebrations both on the pitch and among the traveling Spanish supporters. For a player often lauded for his work rate rather than goal-scoring, it was a special moment of personal triumph.
Spain’s victory also carried significance in their Euro 2025 qualification campaign. With three points secured, La Roja maintained their strong record in qualifying competitions. Historically, Spain has lost just once in qualifiers since 1993, a remarkable streak that continues to underline their consistency.
Cucurella’s Gaol Maintains Spanish Tradition
Cucurella’s goal helped maintain that tradition, proving that de la Fuente’s squad has depth and versatility across all positions. While the likes of Álvaro Morata, Pedri, and Dani Olmo have often been the attacking focus, this performance showed that Spain’s defenders are equally capable of delivering match-winning contributions.
Born in Alella, near Barcelona, Cucurella’s path has been anything but straightforward. A product of La Masia, he had spells with Barcelona, Getafe, and Brighton before landing at Chelsea in a big-money move. At Stamford Bridge, he initially faced criticism but gradually won fans over with his determination and adaptability.
Breaking into Spain’s senior team was another challenge, given the fierce competition for places. But his patience has paid off, and now his first goal at the international level cements his status as more than just a squad player; he is becoming a trusted option for de la Fuente.
Speaking after the match, Cucurella admitted the moment felt “unreal. I always dreamed of scoring for Spain, and to finally do it in an important match means everything. I just want to keep working hard for the team.”
Teammates echoed their support, with captain Rodri praising Cucurella’s fight and professionalism. De la Fuente emphasized the importance of contributions from every position, adding that Cucurella’s breakthrough was a reward for his persistence.
Spain’s campaign continues with upcoming fixtures against Turkey and Georgia. With momentum on their side, de la Fuente may have more tactical flexibility knowing his defenders are contributing offensively as well.
For Cucurella, this goal could mark the start of a more prominent role. If he continues to deliver at both ends of the pitch, he could solidify himself as Spain’s first-choice left-back heading into Euro 2025.
Marc Cucurella’s first goal for Spain is more than a milestone; it symbolizes his rise from a hard-working full-back to a decisive figure in La Roja’s setup. As Spain’s Euro 2025 qualification campaign gathers pace, moments like this could prove crucial in their pursuit of continental glory.
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