Guler´s picture-perfect wonderstrike needs to be framed, quips Arbeloa

Alvaro Arbeloa was left in awe at Arda Guler’s audacious strike after the youngster’s wondergoal capped off Real Madrid’s emphatic win over Elche.

Madrid, full of confidence after their 3-0 win over Manchester City in the Champions League, stormed to a 4-1 victory over 17th-place Elche in Saturday’s LaLiga contest at the Santiago Bernabeu.

A Madrid side littered with academy graduates and youngsters made light work of their opponents, with Antonio Rudiger, Federico Valverde and Dean Huijsen putting Los Blancos in complete control.

Manuel Angel’s own goal ruined Madrid’s clean sheet, but Guler then added further gloss with a remarkable strike from within his own half. The shot came with an expected goals (xG) value of just 0.008. There was less than 1% chance of it going in.

“We need to get a frame and put it in a picture,” Arbeloa said of Guler’s goal.

“It’s something extraordinary. Wonderful. I saw everyone putting their hands to their heads, me too. It was worth paying for a ticket, or two or three, just to see what he’s done.”

Guler was one of six Madrid substitutes, all of whom were youngsters, and Arbeloa is immensely proud of being able to give academy hopefuls a shot in the first team.

“I think I can die happy after a night like this,” he said.

“For someone who came through the youth ranks and made it to the first team after spending many years in the academy, to be able to give them the chance to play at the Bernabeu is a dream come true for me.

“Added to that, [Dani] Carvajal, the quintessential academy graduate, it’s indescribable. I’m very happy and proud. It’s not just about putting them on, but how they’ve played.

“I’ve taught them well, because they’ve shown so much talent, quality and character. It’s fantastic news, and they’re all a great example.”

18y 351d – At 18 years and 351 days old, Daniel Yáñez is the second Spanish player to provide a goal assist in a LaLiga match for @realmadrid in the 21st Century, after Javi García against Racing de Santander in December 2004 (17 years and 341 days). Precocious. pic.twitter.com/e04A0rHqSk

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 14, 2026

Captain Valverde followed up his stellar showing against Man City with another exquisite finish.

Valverde has now been involved in 21 goals in 46 matches for Madrid this season (nine goals and 12 assists), which is his highest tally in a single campaign with the club.

“It’s absolutely mad what he’s doing,” said Arbeloa of Valverde.

“It’s been a great experience living day-to-day with him. Seeing him lead the group by example. Congratulations to him and long may it continue.”