The showdown at Stamford Bridge featured a standout performance from Marc Cucurella, who completely neutralized Lamine Yamal during Chelsea’s 3-0 win over FC Barcelona. The full-back played a key role in several decisive moments, including the action that led to Ronald Araujo’s red card and in the build-up to the London side’s opening goal under Enzo Maresca.

After the match, goalkeeper Robert Sánchez praised his teammate’s performance, noting that Yamal “was in his pocket.” He also highlighted the team’s superiority from the opening minutes and emphasized Chelsea’s strong competitive mindset in high-profile matches like this one.

Cucurella’s Financial Path and Barcelona’s Earnings

The Spanish full-back’s impressive display reignited discussion around the financial operations linked to his departure from Barcelona, a move that brought the club profit in several stages.

In total, Barça earned €9.8 million from Cucurella’s career moves after he left the club:

• Eibar paid €2 million after his loan spell.
• Barcelona activated his buyback clause for €4 million.
• They later sold him to Getafe for €10 million, retaining 10% of his rights.
• That percentage yielded an additional €1.8 million when Brighton acquired him for €18 million.

Meanwhile, Chelsea later signed him for €63 million, a fee that did not provide further income for the Catalan club.

A La Masía Graduate Shines at Stamford Bridge

Cucurella, a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masía academy, played a decisive role in shutting down Yamal, one of Hansi Flick’s most dangerous attackers. The full-back was involved in several key defensive sequences, and his direct involvement in Araujo’s sending-off shaped the course of the match.

The defeat dealt another blow to Barça’s European campaign, while Cucurella’s performance reignited interest in examining his journey across clubs and the revenue generated from his departure from La Masía.