Why Marc Cucurella faced a hostile Camp Nou welcome in the Clasico

Marc Cucurella was subjected to sustained booing by FC Barcelona supporters during the Clasico after lining up for Real Madrid against his former club.

The 28-year-old defender was jeered whenever he touched the ball at Camp Nou, with whistles ringing around the stadium throughout the match. Cucurella joined Real Madrid from Chelsea for 55 million euros this summer and was named in the starting line-up.

The reaction from the home fans was linked to his history with FC Barcelona, where he developed after leaving Espanyol in 2012. Cucurella progressed through the club’s youth system before making one official appearance for the first team.

During his time at FC Barcelona, he also spent loan spells with Eibar and Getafe. Getafe later signed him permanently for just under 12 million euros.

Cucurella subsequently moved to Brighton & Hove Albion before joining Chelsea. His return to Camp Nou as a Real Madrid player prompted the repeated hostility from the stands, with supporters targeting him each time he received possession.

The Clasico was Cucurella’s 13th appearance for Real Madrid.