Guler joined Real in July 2023, but had to stop playing due to injury. After recovering, the 18-year-old player, priced at $22 million, was given the starting role by coach Carlo Ancelotti against Arandina, a team playing in the Spanish fourth division. Guler participated in many offensive situations and made a great impact. Before leaving the field in the 59th minute, the teenage Turkish international and Brahim Diaz were the two best players on Real’s side.
Guler is only 18 years old, but has already played four international matches. Before joining Real in the summer, the Turkish prodigy rejected Barca’s offer.
Guler (left) celebrates a goal 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 only needed the first two minutes of the second half to decide the match. After Zazu fouled Brahim Diaz in the 54th minute, Joselu scored a penalty to open the score. A minute later, Brahim Diaz doubled the gap when he curled his right foot into the far corner.
Arandina is not classy enough to compete with Real. The fourth-place team only focused on defensive efforts, trying to prolong ball control, taking advantage of long throw-ins and occasionally putting the ball into the Real penalty area.
Minute 90+1, after coming on from 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 right-wing cross from the home team in the 90+3 minute.
The victory over Arandina helped Real win a ticket to the 1/8 round of the King’s Cup. They will wait for the results of the draw to know their next opponent. On January 10, Real will play the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atletico Madrid, in Saudi Arabia. Barca and Osasuna play each other in the remaining semi-finals.
