Arda Guler scored a sensational goal from inside his own half, while Federico Valverde continued his superb form as Real Madrid thrashed Elche CF 4–1 on Saturday in La Liga.
The victory moved second-placed Madrid to within one point of leaders FC Barcelona, who host Sevilla FC on Sunday.
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Madrid took the lead when Antonio Rudiger powered the hosts ahead, before Valverde capped another impressive week by curling a superb strike into the top corner just before half-time.
The Uruguayan midfielder had already grabbed headlines after scoring a hat-trick against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League earlier in the week.
Dean Huijsen extended Madrid’s advantage with a header as coach Alvaro Arbeloa’s side tightened their grip on the match ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash against City.
However, the highlight of the night came late in the game when Turkish playmaker Guler produced a moment of brilliance. Spotting Elche goalkeeper Matias Dituro off his line, he unleashed a stunning lob from near the centre circle that sailed into the net.
“He hit the bar from there in another game, and today he pulled it off, what a goal,” Madrid forward Brahim Diaz told Real Madrid TV.
Arbeloa also praised the strike, saying, “Everyone had their hands on their head. It’s worth buying a ticket to see that goal.”
With the result secured, Arbeloa rested several key players in the second half, including Vinicius Junior, Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni, giving opportunities to a number of youngsters to keep the squad fresh for the trip to Manchester.
Captain Dani Carvajal started at right-back while Trent Alexander-Arnold was rested, and young midfielder Thiago Pitarch made his fourth consecutive start.
Madrid remain without several injured stars, including Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo, though Kylian Mbappe could return next week after recovering from a knee sprain.
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