Chelsea kicked off their <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/champions-league">Champions League</a> campaign with a tough road test at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena, but all eyes have been on Marc Cucurella, who is being booed by the home crowd every time he touches the ball.



The reason for the whistles stems from the Germany’s Euro 2024 quarterfinals, when Spain faced the host nation. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/marc-cucurella">Cucurella</a> handled the ball in the box, and the referee didn’t award a penalty, a decision that infuriated German fans — a grievance they are now expressing in tonight’s Champions League match.



Since that incident in the tournament, Cucurella has been booed every time he plays in Germany. The most recent example came during the 2025 UEFA Nations League final between Spain and Portugal, also held at the Allianz Arena.



The controversy was officially addressed months after the Euro 2024 tournament, when UEFA’s refereeing commissioner announced in September 2024 that the referees had made a clear mistake.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Marc Cucurella loudly booed every time he touches the ball. Bayern fans haven&apos;t forgotten Germany&apos;s Euro 2024 quarter-final with Spain where Cucurella wasn&apos;t penalised for handball. UEFA later admitted the officials should have awarded a penalty. <a href="https://t.co/vt7xLu3x8P">pic.twitter.com/vt7xLu3x8P</a>— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) <a href="https://twitter.com/JacobsBen/status/1968391177142468875?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Cucurella’s controversial moment against Germany</h2>



Spain took on host nation Germany in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals at the Allianz Arena. Marc Cucurella played the full match, remaining on the field for the entirety under coach Luis de la Fuente Castillo.


 

 


With the score tied 1-1 in the 105th minute of extra time, Jamal Musiala’s shot struck Cucurella’s hand, prompting protests from the German players to referee Anthony Taylor. However, the official did not award a penalty.



Following the globally debated incident, the referee explained that Cucurella’s arm was positioned almost parallel to his body, close to his torso, which is why he deemed the contact unpenalizable.

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Although the 2025 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/uefa-nations-league" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UEFA Nations League</a> final between Spain and Portugal ranks among the most eagerly anticipated matchups for fans, the spotlight shifted to Spanish left back Marc Cucurella, who faced a wave of whistles at the Allianz Arena in Germany. 



The reaction stems from a controversial moment during the 2024 UEFA Euro, when a shot from Jamal Musiala clearly struck <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/marc-cucurella" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cucurella</a>’s hand inside the box. Despite the obvious contact, the referee Anthony Taylor refused to award a penalty.



With the final being held in Germany, local fans have not forgotten the incident that cost their team a chance at the semifinals. As a form of protest, they have singled out <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/spain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spain</a>’s standout defender Marc Cucurella, believing that a penalty in that moment could have changed the course of their tournament.



In September 2024, UEFA’s refereeing commissioner admitted that officials made a clear error by not awarding a penalty. According to Relevo, referees have since received updated guidance on how to handle similar handball incidents. Going forward, even if a player’s hands are close to the body, those situations will be penalized to avoid further confusion.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250608_BUS_414240_cristiano-ronaldo-1-1-1024x576_4c73fc48.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal reacts during the UEFA Nations League 2025 semifinal match between Germany and Portugal at Munich Football Arena on June 04, 2025 in Munich, Germany." class="wp-image-414319" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/08160924/cristiano-ronaldo-1-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/08160924/cristiano-ronaldo-1-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/08160924/cristiano-ronaldo-1-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/08160924/cristiano-ronaldo-1-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/08160924/cristiano-ronaldo-1-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/08160924/cristiano-ronaldo-1-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/08160924/cristiano-ronaldo-1-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/08160924/cristiano-ronaldo-1-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal reacts during the UEFA Nations League 2025 semifinal match between Germany and Portugal at Munich Football Arena on June 04, 2025 in Munich, Germany.</figcaption></figure>



After hearing UEFA’s stance, German legend Toni Kroos did not hesitate to react strongly to the situation: “It took them three months to realize there was a handball, something that almost everyone else could see in a second. That reassures me a lot (laughs). Can I say that I’m now a European champion because they have officially confirmed it? I don’t think so.”



<h2>Marc Cucurella responds firmly to repeated whistles from German fans</h2>



After that controversial match, Marc Cucurella did not hold back when responding to German fans. “These are things that happen, I’m not to blame for anything. I don’t know what they were trying to achieve with that, but that’s the way it is. The most important thing is that we’re in the final (2024 UEFA Euro), and that’s it.”


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Despite the chilly reception he has faced since that game, Cucurella has firmly established himself as one of Spain’s top full-backs. He continues to earn starts over high-caliber talents like Alex Grimaldo and Alejandro Balde. Throughout the 2024–25 UEFA Nations League, he has been a consistent starter, even in high-stakes matchups like the final game against <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portugal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portugal</a>.

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Manchester City’s star striker <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/erling-haaland">Erling Haaland</a> didn’t shy away from responding to Marc Cucurella following City’s 2-0 victory over <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chelsea">Chelsea</a>, kicking off the new Premier League season in style.



As European soccer returns, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/manchester-city">Manchester City</a> started their campaign with a decisive win at Stamford Bridge. Haaland opened the scoring in the first half, and Mateo Kovacic sealed the victory with a late goal, giving <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pep-guardiola">Pep Guardiola’s</a> side the perfect start.



After the match, Haaland had a light-hearted exchange about Cucurella’s recent antics. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Norwegian striker spoke with former footballer Jan Aage Fjørtoft and said, “Cucurella is a funny guy. Last season, he asked for my shirt… and this summer, he’s singing a song about me.”



<h2>Cucurella’s chant with Spain</h2>



Cucurella became a fan favorite during Spain’s 2024 UEFA Euro victory, where they defeated England 2-1 in the final. During the celebrations, Cucurella was seen leading a chant that referenced Haaland, which quickly went viral among Spanish supporters.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240818_BUS_160134_marc-cucurella-1024x576_97d88163.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-160145" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/marc-cucurella-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/marc-cucurella-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/marc-cucurella-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/marc-cucurella-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/marc-cucurella.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Marc Cucurella of Spain celebrates during the Spain EURO 2024 Trophy Parade. Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



The lyrics of the chant playfully warned Haaland to “watch out” for Cucurella: “Cu Cu Cucurella, eats a paella. Cu Cu Cucurella, drinks a estrella. Haaland trembles, here comes Cucurella. Haaland trembles, have a cookie.”


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Haaland’s response adds a touch of humor to the budding rivalry, setting the stage for more excitement as the season unfolds.

Erling Haaland takes a shot at Marc Cucurella after Manchester City’s win over Chelsea

Erling Haaland takes a shot at Marc Cucurella after Manchester City’s win over Chelsea - Bolavip US

Although it seemed that the controversy over <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/marc-cucurella">Marc Cucurella</a>‘s handball in the match between Germany and Spain at <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/uefa-euro">Euro 2024</a> was behind us, Toni Kroos has once again revived the debate with some forceful statements.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/toni-kroos">Toni Kroos</a>‘ words have reopened the debate on one of the most controversial plays of the European Championship. It should be remembered that the play was not reviewed by VAR and that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/spain">Spain</a> ended up winning the match 2-1 in extra time, eliminating Germany from the tournament.



In the episode, Kroos acknowledges that, although he did not initially want to get wet about the play, he has felt some frustration when reviewing it after the game. However, Kroos criticises the attitude of the referee and the VAR.



<h2>What did Toni Kroos say about the controversial play with Marc Cucurella?</h2>



Kroos broke the silence and, on the podcast, ‘Einfach mal luppen’ that he performs with his brother Felix. He said the following: “I was angry when I saw him after the game”. The German, however, avoids going on too long so as not to damage his image and concludes with a blunt “let’s leave it there”.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240718_BUS_147214_Toni-Kroos-Marc-Cucurella-1024x576_68f4399c.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-147236" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/Toni-Kroos-Marc-Cucurella-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/Toni-Kroos-Marc-Cucurella-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/Toni-Kroos-Marc-Cucurella-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/Toni-Kroos-Marc-Cucurella-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/Toni-Kroos-Marc-Cucurella.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>The gestures of Marc Cucurella and Toni Kroos. IMAGO /&nbsp;pepphoto</figcaption></figure>



During the match, Kroos was not one of the players who most protested the referee’s decision. This is because, as he explains, “I could not assess the situation clearly. He wasn’t well placed to see that it was a pretty clear handball.”



<h2>Kroos criticizes the attitude of the referee and the VAR</h2>



“I looked at the referee. He believed that he did not need to review it and the assistant in the VAR thought the same and gave him to understand that it was not necessary to review it, that it was not a handball. I think I should have at least checked it out.” Kroos said.



And, according to the German player, the problem lies in the fact that the referee “knew that if he checked it, he had to give it. And I felt like I didn’t want to concede it in a game like that.”



Kroos’ statements rekindle the controversy over a move that could have changed the course of the European Championship for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/germany">German national team</a> and that, without a doubt, will continue to be talked about for a long time.

Euro 2024: Toni Kroos breaks silence on Marc Cucurella's handball in Spain vs Germany semifinal

Euro 2024: Toni Kroos breaks silence on Marc Cucurella's handball in Spain vs Germany semifinal - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/spain">Spain</a> is playing against England in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/uefa-euro">UEFA Euro 2024</a> final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. One particularity of the match is that defender Marc Cucurella is being whistled every time he comes into contact with the ball.



The Chelsea player is being booed due to a controversial handball incident inside the box during the quarter-final match against Germany. The referee’s decision not to award a penalty in favor of the Germans sparked the fans’ ire.



At the Olympiastadion, German fans make their displeasure with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/marc-cucurella">Marc Cucurella</a> known by booing him every time he touches the ball. Despite the presence of a significant number of Spanish and English fans, the boos from the German contingent are particularly noticeable.



<h2>Marc Cucurella’s incident against Germany</h2>



Spain faced <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/germany">Germany</a>, the tournament hosts, in the quarter-finals at the Allianz Arena. Marc Cucurella started the entire match without being substituted by coach Luis de la Fuente Castillo.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20240714_BUS_145317_marc-cucurella-and-muller-1024x576_cd050cc3.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-145340" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/marc-cucurella-and-muller-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/marc-cucurella-and-muller-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/marc-cucurella-and-muller-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/marc-cucurella-and-muller-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/marc-cucurella-and-muller.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Thomas Mueller of Germany passes the ball under pressure from Marc Cucurella of Spain during the UEFA EURO 2024 quarter-final match between Spain and Germany. Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



With the match at 1-1 and in the 105th minute of the quarterfinal series, Jamal Musiala’s shot hit Marc Cucurella’s hand, prompting the Germans to protest to referee Anthony Taylor, but he did not award a penalty kick. However, the referee did not give a penalty.


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After the controversial play of the match that went around the world, the referee’s explanation focused on the position of the Spaniard’s arm, almost parallel to his body, alluding to the fact that it was close to the torso.

Euro 2024: Why is Marc Cucurella being whistled in the Spain vs England final

Euro 2024: Why is Marc Cucurella being whistled in the Spain vs England final - Bolavip US

Only two years ago, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chelsea">Chelsea</a> were celebrating their second <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/champions-league">UEFA Champions League</a> trophy. But now the club is nowhere near that place, as it’s struggling to at least get decent results in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/premier-league">Premier League</a>.



The Blues are still adjusting to the huge change that meant Todd Boehly’s arrival after decades of Roman Abramovic’s reign. The problem is that they spent a lot recently without getting anything in return.



Unlike other clubs, Chelsea didn’t hesitate to break the bank in the last transfer windows, but none of their moves paid off so far. In fact, one of their signings from last year has already lost value at the club.



<h2>Marc Cucurella’s worth drops €20m in first year at Chelsea</h2>



Even though he’s been at Chelsea for little over a year, Marc Cucurella‘s market value has already decreased by €20 million during his time at Stamford Bridge. 



According to Transfermarkt, the Spanish left-back was worth €55m in September 2022, shortly after he moved to London from Brighton. In the latest update (June 2023), Cucurella was valued at €35 million.


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<h2>How much have Chelsea spent this summer?</h2>



Chelsea spent an astonishing €462.10 million ahead of the 2023-24 season, more than any other club in the world.

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