Arda Guler was substituted and Real Madrid lost the lead! Alonso explained it to at half-time

Real Madrid's struggles in the league continued on Sunday evening. Xabi Alonso's side could only manage a draw against Girona, securing just one point from the match. The Spanish giants have failed to win their last three La Liga matches and have secured only one victory in their last five matches across all competitions. The five-point lead at the top has all but evaporated, causing Los Blancos to slip to second place, one point behind Barcelona.

According to Defensa Central, after substituting Arda Guler, manager Xabi Alonso explained the reason for the change to Guler. According to the report, Alonso substituted Guler because he failed to correct his position during Girona's goal, was unable to concentrate on the match, and made several crucial ball losses. He explained these reasons in detail before bringing Camavinga into the game.

Meanwhile, the report included the following statements: ‘The player, who was substituted in the first half, failed to deliver the playmaking skills that Xabi Alonso expected of him for Real Madrid. He did not perform well against Girona, and this has been the case in the last few matches.’

Spanish journalist Tomás Roncero said, ‘The draw is unfair, Madrid were much better in the second half. Meanwhile, in my opinion, the penalty decision given to Rodrygo Goes was not overturned. Unbelievable.’ He made a separate comment about Guler. The journalist said that Xabi Alonso's substitution stifled Arda Guler's inspiration.

Regarding Arda Guler, Sİ stated, ‘He was substituted at half-time after a weak first-half performance in which he failed to create solutions in attack against Girona's disciplined defence.’ Meanwhile, many Spanish news portals argued that Real Madrid's play became sterile after Arda Guler was taken off. The Spanish press had the following to say about Guler:

Football Espana: He made a meaningful effort to get involved in the game before being substituted at half-time.

Mundo Deportivo: The Turkish player only played in the first half, where he appeared controlled and reluctant.

Diaro: The Turkish midfielder failed to deliver the expected performance in his position. His passes failed to reach their targets, and he struggled to connect with his teammates in terms of playmaking. Real Madrid needed more from this player in the centre of the pitch. Xabi Alonso recognised this and substituted him at half-time, bringing on Camavinga.