EXPLOSION: Two unprecedented privileges in Real Madrid history were personally presented to Arda Güler by Xabi Alonso after his stunning performance in last night’s match!!
On a night of drama and glamour at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, Real Madrid defeated Mexican side Pachuca 3-1 in the FIFA Club World Cup, marking Xabi Alonso’s first win as manager of the club. While goals from Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde were crucial, it was Turkish youngster Arda Güler who stole the show with a pinpoint finish and a performance that left fans and commentators alike in awe. After the match, Alonso grabbed headlines by announcing two extraordinary awards for the 20-year-old midfielder: an unprecedented decision in Real Madrid’s storied history and a testament to Güler’s potential as a cornerstone of the team.
The match itself was a test of endurance for Los Blancos. Just six minutes into the match, young defender Raúl Asencio was sent off for a foul on Pachuca’s Salomón Rondón, and Real Madrid were reduced to ten men for much of the match. Despite the early setback, the team rallied and displayed the attacking flair and tactical discipline that Alonso had begun to instill. Bellingham opened the scoring in the 35th minute with a powerful, low shot, and Guler doubled the lead eight minutes later, finishing off a fluid move set up by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s pinpoint cross and Gonzalo García’s smart pass. Valverde’s 70th-minute volley sealed the victory, but Pachuca grabbed a consolation goal in the dying minutes.
Guler’s goal was a moment of pure quality, but his overall performance was equally impressive. Despite an early moment of frustration when Bellingham reprimanded him for losing the ball, Guler maintained his composure, driving into dangerous areas and leveling the score with short, precise passes. His ability to thrive under pressure, especially in midfield, confirmed Alonso’s pre-match remarks that the Turkish international wanted him to play closer to the ball. “Arda is a special player,” said Alonso. “The more touches he gives, the better he plays and the better the team plays.” Guler’s performance against Pachuca was a testament to that vision, earning not only the manager’s trust but also the admiration of the Real Madrid fans.
Alonso’s post-match press conference sent shockwaves through the football world by highlighting two historic achievements for Guler. First, he confirmed that Guler will be a guaranteed starter for Real Madrid’s remaining matches at the Club World Cup, barring injury. This decision marks a radical departure from the tradition of rotating young players to facilitate their integration into the first team, especially in high-profile tournaments. For a club with a history of prioritizing established stars, giving a 20-year-old such a prominent role is a clear signal that Alonso intends to build his project around Guler’s creativity and vision. “Arda has shown he can take on the responsibility,” Alonso stated. “He’s ready to lead our midfield now, not in the future.”
The second privilege is even more striking: Alonso has granted Guler a direct line of communication to discuss tactical ideas and his role within the team, a privilege previously reserved for experienced players like Toni Kroos or Luka Modric. This decision underscores Alonso’s confidence in Guler’s footballing intelligence and his desire to create a collaborative environment. “Since Xabi arrived, I feel more important because he always talks to me. He sees me as a midfielder, and that benefits me,” Guler said before the match, hinting at the special relationship. The trust between coach and player is palpable and has already begun to bear fruit on the pitch.
For Guler, these privileges come at a critical time. Despite his immense talent, he has struggled to get regular playing time at Real Madrid, where he joined from Fenerbahçe. Injuries and competition from established stars have limited his opportunities and fueled speculation about a possible loan move. However, Guler’s statements before the match against Pachuca suggested a renewed focus: “For now, I’m completely focused on Real Madrid, but if I don’t play, I’ll think about everything.” Alonso’s bold decisions appear to have cleared any doubts about Guler’s immediate future and have positioned him as a key figure in the post-Modric and Kroos era.
As Real Madrid prepares for their next Club World Cup match against Salzburg, all eyes will be on Guler. With Kylian Mbappé sidelined and other stars like Rodrygo struggling in form, the young Turk has a golden opportunity to cement his place in the starting lineup. Alonso’s unprecedented trust in Guler is a risky bet, but if last night’s performance is any indication, he could redefine Real Madrid’s midfield for years to come. The Santiago Bernabéu awaits the promotion of its next maestro, and Arda Guler is ready to step up to the plate.
