“The goal that Pelé never scored”
The international press is in awe of Arda Güler and his goal for Real Madrid from midfield against Elche.
Arda Güler’s masterpiece was the magical moment of the night as Real Madrid thrashed Elche 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Turkish midfielder’s goal even overshadowed another stunning strike from Federico Valverde.
Goals like Güler’s simply do not happen often, both because of the distance and the quality of the finish.
The left-footed shot came from 74 yards out, tying the record for the longest goal in Spanish league history. The mark had previously been set by Antonio José, who scored from the same distance for Numancia against Sevilla in 2004.
In fact, Güler’s strike comfortably surpassed the distance of another former Real Madrid player who for years held the honor of scoring one of the longest goals in the competition, Mikel Lasa with his famous strike against Sevilla in 1995.
One of the images that will remain from the night was the reaction on the Real Madrid bench. Teammates called Güler over to the sideline so they could celebrate the wonder strike together.
The play also produced one of the night’s best anecdotes when Güler explained the goal during Real Madrid TV’s broadcast. He said he looked up, noticed the goalkeeper was out of position and decided to try his luck. The ball flew in.
Later, on social media, the midfielder joked about the difficulty of the attempt, telling fans: “Don’t try this at home.”
Inside the locker room the excitement continued after the match. Antonio Rüdiger even joked online that the date should be declared a Turkish national holiday.
Global reaction to Güler’s goal
Portuguese outlet A Bola wrote that the voting for the Puskás Award could be closed after Güler’s strike, describing it as an incredible goal from the Real Madrid midfielder from inside his own half that sealed the victory in spectacular fashion.
Brazil’s Globoesporte went even further, calling it “the goal Pelé never scored.” The publication described the play as a beautiful lofted shot from midfield that sailed over goalkeeper Matías Dituro and was worth the price of admission on its own.”
Turkish newspaper Fotomaç labeled the goal “legendary” and highlighted it as the standout moment of Real Madrid’s victory.
French daily L’Équipe also praised the finish, writing that Real Madrid cruised past Elche thanks in part to Güler’s remarkable long-range chip that sent the stadium into celebration.
Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport noted that Valverde scored again but said the true jewel of the night was Güler’s strike from around 65 yards, describing it as a sensational moment that capped a festive evening for Madrid.”
Another Turkish outlet, Hürriyet, celebrated its national star, highlighting that the decisive goal came in the final minute when the Turkish international scored from inside his own half.
ESPN described the play as a work of art. With the match nearly finished in the 89th minute, Güler lifted his head from inside his own half, noticed goalkeeper Matías Dituro off his line and unleashed a spectacular left-footed shot from more than 65 yards that followed a perfect arc into the net.
Turkish newspaper Sabah emphasized that the goal matched the record for the longest strike in LaLiga history, noting that Güler seized the spotlight after spotting the Elche goalkeeper out of position and daring to try the audacious shot.
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