Turkish prodigy plays Real debut after half a year

Spain's Arda Guler started as Real beat Arandina 3-1 in the last 32 of the Copa del Rey.

Guler joined Real in July 2023, but had to sit out due to injury. After recovering, the 18-year-old player worth 22 million USD was given a starting position by coach Carlo Ancelotti against Arandina, a team playing in the Spanish fourth division. Guler participated in many attacking situations and had a big impact. Before leaving the field in the 59th minute, the Turkish teenager and Brahim Diaz were the two best players on Real's side.

Guler is only 18, but has already played four international games. Before joining Real in the summer, the Turkish prodigy turned down an offer from Barca.

Guler (left) celebrates scoring with Brahim Diaz in Real's 3-1 win over Arandina in the King's Cup round of 16 on the evening of January 6, at El Montecillo Stadium. Photo: EFE

Real needed just two minutes at the start of the second half to decide the game. After Zazu fouled Brahim Diaz in the 54th minute, Joselu opened the scoring with a penalty kick. A minute later, Brahim Diaz doubled the lead with a right-footed curler into the far corner.

Arandina were not up to the task of competing with Real. The Fourth Division side focused on defending, trying to prolong possession, taking advantage of long throw-ins and occasionally getting the ball into Real’s penalty area.

In the 90+1 minute, after coming off the bench, Rodrygo received a cross from the right wing and shot into the far corner to increase the score to 3-0. Real only conceded one goal, when Nacho scored an own goal after a cross from the home team's right wing in the 90+3 minute.

The win over Arandina secured Real a place in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey. They will wait for the draw to find out their next opponents. On January 10, Real will play Atletico Madrid in the semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia. Barca and Osasuna will play each other in the other semi-final.

Thanh Quy

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