Euro 2024 final key battles: Cucurella v Saka

Marc Cucurella v Bukayo Saka

For both Cucurella and Saka, Euro 2024 has been a tale of redemption.

Only six months ago, Chelsea left-back Cucurella was being booed off by his own fans, having struggled to impress following a £63m move from Brighton in 2022.

But the 25-year-old was at the heart of Chelsea’s unexpected late surge for a European place and has continued that form at Euro 2024.

He has started five of Spain’s six matches, having earned only four caps prior to the tournament, and has struck up a brilliant partnership with Williams down Spain’s left-hand side.

For Saka – after the heartbreak of missing a penalty in the final of Euro 2020 and the horrific racial abuse he received in the aftermath –

For both Marc Cucurella and Bukayo Saka, Euro 2024 has been a tale of redemption.

Only six months ago, Chelsea left-back Cucurella was being booed off by his own fans, having struggled to impress following a £63m move from Brighton in 2022.

But the 25-year-old was at the heart of Chelsea’s unexpected late surge for a European place and has continued that form at Euro 2024.

He has started five of Spain’s six matches, having earned only four caps prior to the tournament, and has struck up a brilliant partnership with Williams down Spain’s left-hand side.

For Saka – after the heartbreak of missing a penalty in the final of Euro 2020 and the horrific racial abuse he received in the aftermath – Euro 2024 has highlighted his resilience.

The 22-year-old has been a consistent threat, earning his reward with a fine goal against Switzerland in the quarter-final before dispatching his penalty in the shootout – his story coming full circle.

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The 22-year-old has been a consistent threat, earning his reward with a fine goal against Switzerland in the quarter-final before dispatching his penalty in the shootout – his story coming full circle.

For both Marc Cucurella and Bukayo Saka, Euro 2024 has been a tale of redemption.

Only six months ago, Chelsea left-back Cucurella was being booed off by his own fans, having struggled to impress following a £63m move from Brighton in 2022.

But the 25-year-old was at the heart of Chelsea’s unexpected late surge for a European place and has continued that form at Euro 2024.

He has started five of Spain’s six matches, having earned only four caps prior to the tournament, and has struck up a brilliant partnership with Williams down Spain’s left-hand side.

For Saka – after the heartbreak of missing a penalty in the final of Euro 2020 and the horrific racial abuse he received in the aftermath – Euro 2024 has highlighted his resilience.

The 22-year-old has been a consistent threat, earning his reward with a fine goal against Switzerland in the quarter-final before dispatching his penalty in the shootout – his story coming full circle.