Real Madrid Held to 1-1 Draw with Mallorca, Arda Güler’s Late Substitution Raises Eyebrows

Real Madrid Draws 1-1 with Mallorca in La Liga Opener, Arda Güler’s Late Substitution Draws Attention from Spanish Media

In the first week of Spain’s La Liga, reigning champions Real Madrid faced Real Mallorca away. Rodrygo put Real Madrid ahead in the 13th minute, but the team couldn’t prevent Vedat Muriqi’s goal in the 53rd minute, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

Turkish international Arda Güler was substituted in the 88th minute, replacing Jude Bellingham. Güler’s late appearance became a topic of discussion in the Spanish media.

It was noted that Carlo Ancelotti brought Arda on to unlock the game against Mallorca, but the young player was introduced too late.

ANCELOTTI APOLOGIZES TO ARDA

According to a report by Defensa Central, after the match ended in a 1-1 draw, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti had a conversation with Arda Güler in the dressing room.

Ancelotti reportedly apologized to Güler for bringing him on so late. The Italian coach admitted that he should have made the substitution earlier, saying, “I failed, I should have made the changes sooner.”

A POSSIBLE DEPARTURE

Meanwhile, Spanish journalist Jose Felix Diaz suggested that both Arda Güler and Brahim Diaz might consider leaving if they don’t get the playing time they expect in August.

Last season, Brahim Diaz played more and contributed more to the team than Arda. However, with the possible arrival of Mbappe, it could be even harder for Brahim to secure a spot in the rotation.

According to Jose Felix Diaz, if Arda and Brahim do not receive the playing time they anticipate or see any indication of change from Ancelotti, they might opt to leave.

“VALUABLE TO ANCELOTTI, BUT…”

Jose Felix Diaz described Ancelotti’s view on these two players with the following words:

“Both players want to get more playing time. Both Brahim and Güler are aware that they will be important to the Italian coach, and they hope to get the minutes they desire at the start of the season. Although neither player is undisputed in the starting eleven, Carlo values their profiles highly. Both Brahim and Güler bring different qualities to the team, and Ancelotti knows that they can be decisive in the most critical moments of the season. The Italian coach has full confidence in them and believes they will eventually find their place in the team.”

DISAPPOINTED AT THE TROPHY CEREMONY

Arda Güler caught attention with his demeanor during the Super Cup award ceremony. In footage captured by cameras, Modric was seen trying to convince Arda to pose with the trophy.

FINISHED LAST SEASON WITH 6 GOALS

Arda Güler, who transferred from Fenerbahçe to Real Madrid during last summer’s transfer window, finished the season on a high note with six goals.

Later, the 19-year-old midfielder represented the Turkish National Team in EURO 2024, held in Germany, where he attracted attention with 1 goal and 2 assists.

Before the tournament, Arda’s market value was €30 million, but it increased to €45 million after the tournament ended.