Real Madrid commend Arda Güler’s remarkable goal from his own half.
Álvaro Arbeloa described Arda Güler’s long-range goal as a masterpiece after the midfielder netted from his own half in Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory over Elche on Saturday.
Güler surprised Elche goalkeeper Matías Dituro with a clever lob in the 89th minute at the Bernabéu, following earlier strikes from Antonio Rüdiger, Federico Valverde, and Dean Huijsen, bringing Madrid within a point of leaders Barcelona ahead of their match on Sunday.
The goal was recorded from a distance of 68.6 meters (75.02 yards), marking it as the longest in the past 15 LaLiga seasons.
“We should frame it and display it on a wall,” Arbeloa remarked to Real Madrid TV when discussing Güler’s goal. “It’s incredible. Fantastic. I saw everyone raise their hands in astonishment, and I did as well. It was worth the price of a ticket, or even two or three, to witness what he accomplished.”
“[Güler] is an exceptional player,” Elche coach Eder Sarabia concurred. “We lost possession unnecessarily, and then one of the best players in the world steps up. We have been conceding many remarkable goals.”
“Those fortunate moments we experienced in the first half of the season are now turning against us. Yet, amid that frustration and disappointment, as a football enthusiast, it’s an extraordinary goal. It requires the vision to see it and the skill to execute it.”
Madrid managed to rest key players in preparation for their Champions League last 16 second leg against Manchester City on Tuesday, introducing five substitutes aged 21 or younger.
Arbeloa expressed that he could “die happy after a night like this,” having led the team to a victory featuring numerous homegrown talents he had previously coached at Madrid’s academy.
“As someone who progressed through the youth system and reached the first team, this is a moment of great joy and pride,” he stated. “It reminded me of the Real Madrid from the [legendary 80s side] Quinta del Buitre era. I am thrilled to see them play and showcase their talent… It’s a memorable day for Madrid supporters.”
Arbeloa mentioned that the fitness of star forward Kylian Mbappé would be evaluated on Sunday ahead of the City second leg, as he recovers from a knee sprain.
“Tomorrow we will train at Valdebebas, we will assess Mbappé, and we will see how he feels,” Arbeloa noted. “I hope he will be available. If he can make it to Manchester, that would be excellent news.”
ESPN Research contributed to this report.
