Spanish defender, Marc Cucurella has said that he is prepared to face his compatriot Lamine Yamal when Chelsea take on Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.
The Blues will face Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, in the group stage of the Champions League.
The battle between the two Spanish players has generated significant discussion on social media regarding how they will fare against each other.
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Cucurella joked that Yamal’s decision to leave the national team camp ahead of the World Cup qualifiers was because he did not want to face him in training.
The left-back cautioned the right-winger, saying he will give him a tough challenge and won’t allow him to operate freely.
Speaking ahead of Spain’s game against Georgia, a journalist asked: “In two weeks, Chelsea will face Barcelona in the Champions League… I guess Lamine Yamal will face a challenge with you!”
Cucurella responded: “I think Lamine left the Spanish national team camp because I told him how I’m going to start my homework here during the training sessions. I’m ready to face Lamine Yamal at club level. He already told me some stuff, but I can’t injure him because I need him for the national team! It will be difficult for them—we’ll be at home, but we’ll see.”
Cucurella is regarded as one of the best left-backs in the world, following his impressive performances at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and his role in guiding Spain to win Euro 2024.
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Meanwhile, watch the feature about Swedru All Blacks’ journey from the Division One to the GPL below
