Atlético Madrid defeat Real Madrid 5–2 in derby, Arda Güler’s performance under spotlight

In Week 7 of Spain’s La Liga, Atlético Madrid hosted city rivals Real Madrid and secured a commanding 5–2 victory. Beyond the heavy defeat, one of the most talked-about topics after the match was the performance of Arda Güler. The Turkish international recorded one goal and one assist, but also conceded a penalty, making him a central figure of the encounter.

Real Madrid fell behind in the 14th minute when Robin Le Normand opened the scoring for the hosts. However, parity was restored in the 25th minute as Kylian Mbappé converted a precise long pass from Turkish midfielder Arda Güler. Real then took the lead in the 36th minute through Güler’s goal, making it 2–1. But just before the break, in stoppage time (45+3), Alexander Sørloth equalized, sending the teams into halftime at 2–2.

In the second half, Atlético took full control. Julián Álvarez put his side ahead from the penalty spot in the 51st minute and extended the lead with another strike in the 64th. Antoine Griezmann sealed the emphatic 5–2 victory with a goal in the 90+3 minute.

Arda Güler’s performance became a major talking point in the Spanish press. The young talent, who directly contributed to two goals with one goal and one assist, was highlighted as one of Real Madrid’s best performers despite his team’s defeat. However, it was also underlined that he conceded the penalty leading to Atlético Madrid’s third goal. On that decision, though, former Spanish referees remained divided in their opinions.

Former referee Mateu Lahoz argued the incident should not have been awarded as a penalty. “For me, it should not be a penalty. If you want to interpret it as a dangerous play, it would be an indirect free kick inside the box, but never a penalty,” he said.

On the other hand, Pérez Burrull, referee analyst for Marca, took a different view: “This was a penalty given for a careless action and contact. He raises his leg and catches Nico, but it’s not a red card,” he explained.

Arda Güler’s performance made front-page headlines in Spain’s leading sports outlets, with AS praising the Turkish midfielder as one of the best players on the pitch.

The newspaper wrote:
“Until he was substituted, the Turkish player was among Madrid’s finest. He provided the assist for Mbappé’s opening goal and scored the team’s second. He was everywhere on the field, giving his all defensively… The real issue was that players like Huijsen or Carreras, who had been outstanding until now, suddenly disappeared.”

“He delivered a magnificent performance, though he faltered somewhat in the closing stages. He was the surprise inclusion in the starting XI, leaving Mastantuono on the bench. At times, he made the difference. Starting on the right wing, he showed an impressive ability to link up with Mbappé. Arda controls, times, and delivers passes behind the defense—a priceless gift for a finisher like Kylian. Combined with his contribution in midfield and his ability to break forward, the result was extraordinary. By making a late run, he scored to give Madrid a 2–1 lead. The only downside came in the second half, when he lost possession more than usual and, though debatable, it was clear he raised his leg too high in conceding the penalty. A reckless move—and a stain on his record.”

El País : “Atlético Madrid almost relentlessly overpowered Real Madrid, apart from the brief flashes from Mbappé, Arda Güler, and Vinícius that led to two goals. Xabi started Bellingham for the first time since his shoulder surgery and left Mastantuono out. Arda Güler kept his place in the starting XI but played on the right.”

RTVE: “Arda Güler and Mbappé were Madrid’s best players. After Vinícius dribbled past his opponents, he set up Güler, who volleyed past Oblak from the penalty spot.”