Carreras responds to Cucurella’s arrival with a goal and a commanding display

Real Madrid strengthened the competition at left-back by signing Marc Cucurella, leaving Álvaro Carreras with a clear challenge. He could accept a reduced role or make his case on the pitch. Against Rayo Vallecano, the defender chose the second option emphatically.

Making his first start since Cucurella joined the club, Carreras won a penalty, scored a goal and delivered one of his most complete performances in a Real Madrid shirt.

He made his first decisive contribution in the 13th minute. Carreras reacted before Florian Lejeune and reached the ball inside the area, forcing the Rayo defender into a clear foul. Mbappé converted the resulting penalty to give Madrid the lead.

CARRERAS TAKES CONTROL OF THE LEFT FLANK

Only three minutes after the opener, Carreras scored himself. Following a recovery by Vinícius Junior, the full-back exchanged passes with Mbappé, received the return ball inside the box and finished calmly at the near post.

His influence extended well beyond those two moments. Carreras created three chances, completed both of his attempted dribbles and won six of his eight duels. Defensively, he registered three recoveries, three clearances and three successful tackles.

He also completed 54 passes with an accuracy of 88 per cent and recorded 90 touches. Those numbers reflected his constant involvement, particularly during a dominant first half in which Madrid repeatedly advanced through his side.

CUCURELLA CAME ON, BUT CARRERAS STAYED

Cucurella entered the match during the closing stages, but he did not replace Carreras. Mourinho used both left-backs together to strengthen that side and deal with Rayo’s attacking threat. In the previous game, Carreras had been asked to support Cucurella. This time, their roles were reversed.

After the match, Carreras explained that Mourinho demands maximum intensity from his full-backs. He also confirmed that Cucurella’s introduction was intended to provide extra defensive help as Rayo attempted to push forward.

Cucurella’s arrival has therefore not closed the door on Carreras. It has created genuine competition, and the response has been exactly what Real Madrid would have wanted. There was no public complaint and no visible frustration—just a performance that made the coach’s next decision more difficult.

Mourinho now has two credible options on the left. Carreras showed against Rayo that he should be viewed as far more than a convenient replacement.