Marc Cucurella Set to Make First Start for Real Madrid Against Real Sociedad
Real Madrid anticipates giving Marc Cucurella his first starting opportunity at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday evening as they face Real Sociedad. The summer acquisition is expected to be the only change to Jose Mourinho’s lineup for this La Liga match.
Reports from AS indicate that Mourinho is not planning significant adjustments for Real Madrid’s inaugural home game of the 2026/27 La Liga season. Instead, he intends to field a team that closely resembles his strongest available squad, with Cucurella’s addition at left-back highlighted as the main adjustment. This match will provide the Bernabeu audience with their first comprehensive glimpse of one of the club’s key summer signings.
Cucurella has already debuted for Real Madrid, coming off the bench in a previous match against Espanyol. However, the match against Real Sociedad is projected to mark his first start for the club. The Spaniard joined the team prior to the World Cup and is now gearing up for a more significant role in Mourinho’s plans.
AS further details that Cucurella’s inclusion will occur in an otherwise largely unchanged lineup. As Real Madrid prepares for another La Liga clash against Malaga next Sunday, Mourinho may consider further modifications later in the week. Nevertheless, for the upcoming fixture against Real Sociedad, maintaining continuity seems to be the priority over rotation.
This debut will be particularly meaningful for Cucurella, who recently celebrated a World Cup victory with the Spanish national team. Real Madrid is set to honor the left-back during the match, acknowledging his contributions to Spain’s success in the tournament. He played a vital role throughout the event, starting in each game leading up to the championship win.
Additionally, the occasion holds significance for Real Sociedad’s captain, Mikel Oyarzabal, who will also be returning to Madrid as a World Cup champion, and is likely to receive recognition during the match. For Cucurella, this will not only mark his first start for one of football’s most prestigious clubs but also a moment to celebrate his international accomplishments.
Real Madrid are expected to give Marc Cucurella his first start at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, with the summer signing in line to be the only alteration to Jose Mourinho’s starting XI against Real Sociedad.
According to AS, Mourinho is not planning a major overhaul for Real Madrid’s first home match of the 2026/27 La Liga season.
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Instead, the Portuguese coach is expected to keep faith with a side close to his strongest available lineup, with Cucurella’s introduction at left-back standing out as the key change.
The match could therefore offer the Bernabeu faithful their first proper look at one of the club’s notable summer arrivals from the opening whistle.
Cucurella set for Real Madrid debut
Cucurella has already had his first taste of action in a Real Madrid shirt, coming off the bench against Espanyol, but Wednesday’s clash against Real Sociedad is expected to mark his first start.
Cucurella is set to start against Real Sociedad. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
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The Spaniard was signed before the World Cup and now looks ready to take a more prominent role in Mourinho’s plans.
AS reports that the left-back is expected to be introduced into an otherwise largely unchanged team.
With another La Liga fixture against Malaga coming up next Sunday, Mourinho may opt to make further adjustments later in the week.
For the visit of Real Sociedad, though, the priority appears to be continuity rather than rotation.
Santiago Bernabeu to honour World Cup champions
Cucurella’s first start will come on a special occasion for the player following his success with the Spanish national team at the World Cup.
Mourinho will not make many changes to his starting XI vs Sociedad. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
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As reported before, Real Madrid are planning to pay tribute to the left-back at the Santiago Bernabeu, recognising his role in Spain’s triumph.
Cucurella was an important figure throughout the tournament and started every match as the national team lifted the trophy.
The occasion will also have significance for Real Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal, who will return to Madrid as a World Cup champion and is also expected to receive recognition.
For Cucurella, though, the evening could bring a different kind of milestone.
The defender will have the opportunity to combine a celebration of his international success with his first start for one of the biggest clubs in world football.
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