Turkish youngster Arda Guler was on target as Real Madrid re-established a 7-point lead at the summit of the La Liga table with a 4-0 victory over Celta Vigo at Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday. The Los Blancos signed Guler from Turkish top-flight club Fenerbache in the summer, but the game was only his fourth La Liga appearance for the capital club.

Despite the absence of Jude Bellingham due to a suspension from Real Madrid’s 2-2 draw against Valencia last week in La Liga, Arda Guler had to settle for a cameo appearance as a late substitute deep into a game where Real Madrid was already three goals up.

Brazilian winger Vinicius junior had opened the scoring after just 21 minutes for Real Madrid, but the Los Blancos did not add another goal until 11 minutes before the end of the game when Celta Vigo’s defence capitulated with two own goals from goalkeeper Vicente Guaita and defender Carlos Dominguez.

Arda Guler’s goal came four minutes into the stoppage time, but the player believes more will come after breaking the jinx on the back of what he called a difficult start to life at Real Madrid and a difficult season.

“It’s been a difficult season so far, but I hope better things come after today. I’m very happy to be here. It’s the best club in the world, and although it’s difficult, I believe I have the quality & character to overcome it. I’m delighted to have scored my first goal; thank you very much to all those who support me. I hope many more come & I will work hard for it.” Guler said after the game.

Real Madrid will face Osasuna next in their race to reclaim their La Liga title, 7 points ahead of second-place Girona on the La Liga table with ten more matches left to play in the season.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu