Arda Guler produced a moment of pure magic in Real Madrid’s 4-1 win over Elche and his explanation is beautifully simple .
The Turkish teenager picked up the ball on the edge of the area, looked up, and unleashed an unstoppable strike that flew into the top corner . After the game, he revealed exactly what went through his mind.
THE GOAL
“Very happy, it was a great goal,” Guler said afterwards. “I looked at the goalkeeper, and he is not well positioned. I tried and… great goal.”
That’s it. No complicated analysis. Just a kid spotting a weakness and punishing it.
THE CONTEXT
This wasn’t just any goal, it capped a dominant performance from a rotated Madrid side after their gruelling Champions League battle with Manchester City .
“We were a little tired, but we knew we had to win this game,” Guler admitted. “Therefore, it has been important to be able to count on all the young players, since with the support of the youth players, we were able to play a good game and get a clear victory.”
Antonio Rudiger opened the scoring. Federico Valverde made it 2-0 with his fourth goal in two games . Dean Huijsen scored after the break before Guler’s stunner.
THE ARBELOA RELATIONSHIP
Guler also spoke about his connection with coach Alvaro Arbeloa, the man who’s helped him settle at the Bernabeu.
“We get along very well with the coach. We are with him both in the good times and in the difficult ones. Today, after the goal, I went to celebrate with him and everyone.”
On his tactical role: “The coach asks me for different things, depending on the position. When I play on my own field he wants me to get more involved in the start, and when I’m more ahead, he asks me to play more between the lines and be deep. I always try to do the best I can.”
THE CITY MESSAGE
With Manchester City up next in the Champions League second leg , Guler sent a warning: “Yes, we have to go out to look for the game from the beginning, and so we can score more goals.”
Madrid lead 3-0 from the first leg. The tie is effectively over. But Guler wants more.
THE VERDICT
Eighteen years old. A wonder goal. A calm, collected interview. Arda Guler is the real deal. And Madrid have another superstar on their hands.
