Arda Güler's debut season with Real Madrid may have been quiet, but on Friday, the 19-year-old played a key role in getting the team closer to winning another La Liga title.
In a 1-0 win against Real Sociedad, Güler scored the decisive goal early in the match, marking his second goal for the Spanish club.
The teenager made his debut start in La Liga for Real Madrid in the summer of 2023 after moving from Fenerbahçe. He had to wait until Friday for this opportunity.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti decided to rest key players for the La Liga game on Friday, as he had his sights set on the crucial Champions League match against Bayern Munich on Tuesday.
Real Madrid decided to rest key players like Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, and Antonio Rüdiger on the bench in order to keep them fresh for the upcoming midweek semifinal.
With the lineup changes, Real Madrid did not perform at its usual level. However, a true mark of a champion is being able to secure a victory even when facing difficulties. Real Madrid demonstrated this by managing to win the match and keeping a clean sheet while playing away from home.
Güler scored the only goal in the 1-0 win against Real Sociedad.
Güler scored the only goal in the 1-0 win against Real Sociedad.
Helios de la Rubia/Real Madrid/Getty Images
“I’m very happy for the goal and the victory,” Güler said postgame, per Real Madrid.
Ancelotti, the manager of Real Madrid, expressed his confidence in Güler, stating that he will be a key player for the team in the future. Ancelotti emphasized Güler's exceptional talent and quality, confirming that he will remain with the team next year.
Additionally, Ancelotti commended the players for their display of character and determination to continue achieving victories. He expressed his pride in the team's performance and their commitment to success.
Real needs four points from its remaining five games to secure the league title.
Editor's P/S:
Arda Güler's emergence as a key contributor to Real Madrid's title chase is a testament to the club's strategic approach to squad building. By signing promising young talents like Güler, Real Madrid ensures a continuous pipeline of talent to sustain their dominance. Güler's performance against Real Sociedad highlights the club's foresight in investing in young players who can seamlessly integrate into the team and deliver when needed.
The upcoming Champions League semifinal against Bayern Munich will be a crucial test for Real Madrid. While the rotation of key players for the La Liga game against Real Sociedad raised some concerns, the team's ability to secure a victory without their usual starters demonstrates their resilience and depth. Ancelotti's confidence in Güler and the team's overall character suggests that Real Madrid is well-equipped to navigate the challenges ahead and secure both the La Liga title and the Champions League trophy.