MADRID — Álvaro Arbeloa praised Arda Güler‘s stunning long-range goal as a masterpiece after the midfielder scored from his own half in Real Madrid‘s 4-1 triumph against Elche on Saturday.
Güler left Elche keeper Matías Dituro stunned with a clever lob in the 89th minute at the Bernabéu. Antonio Rüdiger, Federico Valverde, and Dean Huijsen also found the net, allowing Madrid to climb within a point of league leaders Barcelona ahead of their match on Sunday.
Güler’s incredible strike came from 68.6 meters (75.02 yards), marking it as the longest goal scored in LaLiga over the last 15 seasons.
“We should frame it and put it on display,” Arbeloa remarked to Real Madrid TV regarding Güler’s achievement. “It’s extraordinary. Simply wonderful. I witnessed everyone raise their hands in astonishment, and I did too. It was worth the price of a ticket, or even two or three, to witness that.”
“[Güler] is a phenomenal player,” Elche manager Eder Sarabia commented. “We lost the ball unnecessarily, and then one of the best players in the world makes his presence known. We’ve been conceding a lot of fantastic goals.”
“Those moments that favored us in the first half of the season are now turning against us. But alongside my frustration and sorrow as a football fan, that was an incredible goal. It takes the vision to see it, and then the skill to execute it.”
Resting key players for their Champions League last 16 second leg against Manchester City on Tuesday, Madrid brought on five substitutes aged 21 or younger.
Arbeloa expressed that he could “die happy after a night like this,” having coached a team that showcased many homegrown talents he nurtured during his time at Madrid’s academy.
“As someone who came through the youth system and made it to the first team, this is a day of immense joy and pride,” Arbeloa stated. “It reminds me of the legendary ’80s team, Quinta del Buitre. I’m thrilled to see these young players shine and exhibit their talent. … This is a day to remember for Madrid fans.”
Concerning star forward Kylian Mbappé, who is recovering from a knee injury, Arbeloa mentioned that he would be evaluated Sunday prior to the City match.
“Tomorrow we will train at Valdebebas, take a look at Mbappé, and see how he feels,” said Arbeloa. “I hope he can make it. It would be wonderful news if he could be in Manchester.”
ESPN Research contributed to this report.