According to a report by GOAL on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, Marc Cucurella has spoken about Pablo Maffeo's fiery personality following the controversial encounter between Valencia and Real Madrid at Mestalla, admitting that he shares similar characteristics with the Spanish defender.

The Chelsea defender offered a strong defence of Maffeo despite the criticism surrounding his behaviour during the heated La Liga fixture, insisting that his aggressive approach on the pitch does not affect his relationships with fellow professionals away from football.

The encounter between Valencia and Real Madrid was overshadowed by several controversial incidents, with tensions reaching boiling point after the final whistle.

The match reportedly descended into chaos, with a confrontation involving players in the dressing-room area and Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger exchanging heated words with a supporter in the stands.

Maffeo was among the central figures in the controversy, having attracted attention throughout the contest because of his aggressive approach and involvement in a bizarre half-time interview that eventually prompted him to issue a public apology.

Speaking during an interview with Spanish radio station Cadena COPE, Cucurella was asked about his relationship with Maffeo and how he deals with the defender's personality.

The former Brighton and Barcelona player explained that he had known Maffeo for a long time and understood his temperament, adding that he also possesses a similar competitive attitude.

Cucurella acknowledged that his compatriot can be difficult to deal with during matches, describing him as an extremely intense character.

The Chelsea defender also admitted that Maffeo could be considered a little crazy, but insisted that their relationship remained positive despite their fiery personalities.

He particularly highlighted the defender's ability to separate his behaviour on the pitch from his personal relationships after matches.

According to Cucurella, Maffeo's aggressive approach is restricted to competitive situations, allowing him to maintain good relationships with other players once the final whistle has sounded.

The Spanish international explained that he appreciates this quality because he also approaches football with a similar mentality, giving everything during matches before moving on afterwards.

The controversy surrounding the Valencia and Real Madrid encounter is expected to attract further attention as the incidents involving the players and supporters continue to generate discussions.