Cucurella targeted by Leipzig supporters at Bernabeu over Euro 2024 handball

Marc Cucurella was met by persistent jeers during Real Madrid’s 4-1 Champions League victory over Leipzig, with the hostility traced to supporters still angry about an incident from Euro 2024.

Real Madrid secured a comfortable win against their German visitors at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday evening in the third round of the Champions League league phase. But the most puzzling moment came in the 70th minute, when Cucurella replaced Carreras.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, confusion spread around the stadium as the former Barcelona player was booed whenever he touched the ball. The reaction initially appeared to be coming from Real Madrid supporters, creating an unusual atmosphere inside the Bernabeu.

However, the source of the jeers was later explained by the presence of Leipzig fans who had gained entry to different parts of the ground.

Real Madrid’s security plans had anticipated approximately 2,000 German supporters occupying the upper section of the north stand. In reality, hundreds more had obtained tickets through the unofficial market and other channels, allowing them to enter the stadium discreetly and sit among the home support.

Because the Leipzig fans were scattered throughout the ground, their jeers appeared to come from several directions rather than from one identifiable section. That helped create the impression that Real Madrid supporters themselves were turning on Cucurella.

The Leipzig fans had not forgotten an incident involving the defender during the quarter-final of Euro 2024. In a tense period of extra time, a shot from Jamal Musiala struck Cucurella’s hand, but neither the referee nor the video assistant referee awarded Germany a penalty.

Spain went on to reach the semi-finals, while the decision continued to fuel frustration among German supporters. Months later, UEFA officially acknowledged that Cucurella’s handball should have resulted in a penalty.

Although the unexpected noise from the supporters who had entered the stadium caused surprise during the opening minutes, the reaction from the wider Bernabeu crowd soon changed.

Once Real Madrid fans recognised what was happening and understood that the abuse was being driven by Leipzig supporters, they backed Cucurella. They responded by applauding whenever he received the ball, in an attempt to reduce the hostility directed towards him.