![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Marc-Cucurella-Erling-Haaland.jpg?width=600)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Marc-Cucurella-Erling-Haaland.jpg?width=600)
Moments after garnering mammoth fame following Spain’s Euro win, Spanish defender Marc Cucurella attracted some negative spotlight. Cucurella’s performance for Spain peaked after he set up Mikel Oyarzabal for the winning goal in the Euro 2024 final against England. But he decided to celebrate the monumental win in a rather bizarre fashion. The 25-year-old sang a song in joy following the win and took a hilarious dig at his Premier League rival and Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland.
Renowned soccer analysts questioned and even ridiculed Cucurella’s feature in the tournament, citing his lackluster Chelsea form. However, he proved his critics wrong as Spain’s defensive anchor, ensuring the side conceded just four goals in seven games. Now, Cucurella himself thinks he could scare Haaland the next season.
Recalling Cucurella’s previous faceoff with Erling Haaland that led to a VAR controversy
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Marc Cucurella’s unhinged celebrations with the Spanish team after the Euros win are now doing rounds on the web. In one such video, the Spanish defender sang, “Cucurella eats a paella, Cucurella drinks Estrella, Haaland trembles that Cucurella is coming.” While Cucurella is yet to be a vital player for Chelsea, as Erling Haaland is for Manchester City, he once had a controversial moment with the Norwegian. During a City-Chelsea game in November 2023, Cucurella brought down Haaland inside the penalty box while waiting for Jeremy Doku’s cross from the corner spot.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-12-30T150133Z_860321697_UP1EJCU15QI8S_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-MCI-SHU-REPORT.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
via Reuters
Soccer Football – Premier League – Manchester City v Sheffield United – Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain – December 30, 2023 Manchester City’s Erling Braut Haaland before the match REUTERS/Phil Noble NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR ‘LIVE’ SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS.
Haaland visibly held Cucurella first during the scuffle to best position himself for heading Doku’s corner. The Chelsea defender held him back and subsequently sent him to the ground. Referee Anthony Taylor sought VAR’s help and awarded Haaland a late penalty to put City 3-2 against Chelsea. The Spaniard and his Chelsea pals blasted Taylor’s VAR decision in rage.
Besides Chelsea players, soccer veterans such as Jamie Carragher also called out the refereeing when Haaland’s physical play on Cucurella went unnoticed and the latter was penalized.
Cucurella’s jab at Haaland, however, was just one of the few bombshells he dropped in the aftermath of the Spanish victory. Likewise, he clapped back at former England star and analyst Gary Neville, who criticized him earlier.
Cucurella drags dirt on Gary Neville
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Spain battled heavyweights en route to the final against England. When Spain faced the tournament hosts- Germany, Gary Neville said Marc Cucurella was the only reason he thought Germany would be better off. Now that Cucurella and La Roja have taken home the Euro silverware, he said, “We went all the way, Gary. Thank you for your support.”
The 25-year-old has indeed secured bragging rights, considering how pivotal he has been in Spain’s record fourth Euro win. But it remains to be seen if his mockery of Erling Haaland would turn back against him if Chelsea’s PL games with City go awry.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1242558798-1140x760-1.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
via Getty
COBHAM, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: Marc Cucurella of Chelsea during a press conference at Chelsea Training Ground on August 17, 2022 in Cobham, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Chelsea opens their 2024-25 Premier League season on August 3rd, facing Manchester City as their first rivals. All eyes will be on that game, as the Spaniard has already sprouted seeds for an intense rivalry with the Norwegian. If the latter outperforms Cucurella, he will face more criticism from Neville, who primarily doubts his performances at Chelsea.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What are your thoughts on Cucurella’s dig at Haaland? Tell us in the comments.