Real Madrid’s Arda Güler waved his magic wand, and the stadium fell into a trance. No wonder-the Turkish prodigy’s astonishing strike against Elche was the kind of goal fans witness only once in a generation.
With months of competition still ahead, Güler’s wonder goal already looks like a serious contender for the next FIFA Puskás Award. It has all the ingredients of a masterpiece.
The strike came in the 89th minute, capping off a 4-1 win that lifted Real Madrid to 66 points-just one behind leaders Barcelona, who sit at 67.
The victory and Güler’s brilliance will serve as motivation as Madrid prepares to face Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 on Tuesday, followed by a La Liga clash with Atlético de Madrid on Sunday.
Güler’s goal that shook the Bernabéu
It began with a clever interception. Güler anticipated his marker, controlled the ball with three touches, and-without even glancing up-noticed goalkeeper Dituro straying too far forward. From nearly 65 meters out, he unleashed a strike.
The ball soared perfectly, evading Dituro’s desperate sprint and awkward attempt to stop it. Güler’s guided missile had only one destination: the back of the net.
“I saw everyone with their hands up in disbelief. It’s incredible to score from 70 meters-it’s worth the price of admission just to see that goal,” said Alvaro Arbeloa.
Even Güler himself seemed stunned
His celebration mixed disbelief and joy, as teammates rushed from the bench to embrace him. At first, he raised his arms as if unsure of what he had done, before being swallowed by a jubilant huddle.
Though this was the first time he scored from such a distance, it wasn’t his first attempt. “He hit the crossbar once against Osasuna, and today he put it away. He has that wonderful strike… a fantastic goal,” explained Brahim.
- Goals
- Real Madrid: Antonio Rüdiger (39′), Federico Valverde (44′), Dean Huijsen (66′), Arda Güler (89′)
- Elche: Manuel Ángel (85′, own goal)
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