Guler’s stunning long-range strike seals Real Madrid’s 4–1 win over Elche
The win moves Real to within one point of FC Barcelona at the top of La Liga, although Barcelona still have a game in hand.
KATHMANDU: Real Madrid cruised to a 4–1 victory over Elche CF in a match highlighted by a spectacular long-range goal from Arda Güler.
The win moves Real to within one point of FC Barcelona at the top of La Liga, although Barcelona still have a game in hand.
Real took the lead in the 39th minute when Antonio Rüdiger found the net. Just five minutes later, Federico Valverde doubled the advantage to give the hosts firm control before halftime.
The momentum continued after the break as Dean Huijsen headed in the third goal in the 66th minute. Elche pulled one back late on when Manuel Ángel scored an own goal in the 85th minute.
However, the moment of the night belonged to Güler. In the 89th minute, the Turkish midfielder produced a stunning chip from near the halfway line, beating goalkeeper Matías Dituro and capping the match with a sensational finish.
Real coach Álvaro Arbeloa praised the strike as “extraordinary and unforgettable.”
Earlier in the week, Real also impressed in the UEFA Champions League, defeating Manchester City 3–0 thanks to a hat-trick from Valverde.
The victory keeps Real in second place, while Elche — now winless in 11 consecutive matches — remain 17th in the standings.
