Real Madrid interim coach Álvaro Arbeloa described Arda Güler’s sensational long-range strike as a “work of art” after the teenager scored from inside his own half during Saturday’s 4-1 win over Elche.
‘We Should Frame It’: Arbeloa Hails Güler’s Record-Breaking Long-Range Goal
The 19-year-old Turkish midfielder spotted Elche goalkeeper Matías Dituro off his line and executed a perfect lob from 68.6 meters out in the 89th minute at the Bernabéu. The strike stands as the longest goal in LaLiga in the last 15 seasons.
“We should frame it and hang it on a wall,” Arbeloa told Real Madrid TV.
“It’s amazing. Wonderful. I saw everyone throw their hands up in amazement, and I did too. It was worth having paid for a ticket, or two or three, to see what he did.”
Antonio Rüdiger, Federico Valverde, and Dean Huijsen also found the net for Madrid, moving the team within one point of league leaders Barcelona ahead of their Sunday fixture.
Elche coach Eder Sarabia admitted frustration but could only applaud the quality of Güler’s finish.
“We lost the ball unnecessarily, and then one of the best players in the world appears,” Sarabia said.
“Those details that went our way in the first half of the season are now going against us. But alongside that anger and sadness, as a football fan, it’s an incredible goal.”
Madrid rested several key players with Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 second leg against Manchester City in mind.
The team introduced five substitutes aged 21 or younger, many of whom came through the club’s academy.
For Arbeloa, a former academy player himself, watching the young talents shine brought immense pride.
“For someone who came up through the youth ranks myself and made it to the first team, this is a day of immense happiness,” he said.
“It reminded me of the Real Madrid of the legendary ’80s side Quinta del Buitre era. I’m so happy to see them play. It’s a day to remember for Madrid fans.”
On the injury front, Arbeloa confirmed that star forward Kylian Mbappé will undergo assessment on Sunday ahead of the City clash.
Mbappé is currently recovering from a knee sprain. “Tomorrow, we’ll train at Valdebebas, we’ll try him out, and we’ll see how he feels,” Arbeloa added.
“I hope he’ll be available. If he can be in Manchester, that will be great news.”
