23.08.2026 13:30
In the match where Real Madrid defeated Espanyol 2-1 away, Arda Güler stood out by assisting Bellingham's goal. However, Jose Mourinho's decision to substitute the national star in the 64th minute sparked major controversy in the Spanish press. While Marca said, "Arda Güler absolutely must play," AS described the substitution as "somewhat inexplicable."
In the 2nd week of Spain's La Liga, Real Madrid returned from their away match against Espanyol with a 2-1 victory, but the detail that left its mark on the match was Head Coach Jose Mourinho's choice regarding Arda Güler. The early substitution of our national star, who impressed throughout his time on the pitch, sparked widespread reaction in the Spanish sports media.
WHAT HAPPENED IN THE ESPANYOL AWAY GAME?
Arda Güler, who started the match at RCDE Stadium in the starting eleven, played a key role in his team's attacking organization. The turning points of the match unfolded as follows:
- 9th Minute: Jude Bellingham found the back of the net from Arda Güler's pinpoint pass, putting Real Madrid ahead.
- 30th Minute: Espanyol leveled the score at 1-1 with a goal from Alex Calatrava.
- 64th Minute: Head Coach Jose Mourinho made the decision that sparked controversy, substituting Arda Güler and bringing on new signing Yan Diomande in his place.
90th Minute: The goal that brought the capital team victory in the tough away match came from Carlos Espi.
BARRAGE OF CRITICISM FROM SPANISH PRESS TOWARDS MOURINHO
Even though Real Madrid left the field with a win, the Spanish press harshly criticized Arda Güler's early substitution despite his successful performance. The statements in the media were as follows:
Marca:
"Espi hides the fact that Güler is irreplaceable"
"Arda Güler absolutely must play. There is no room for debate. No matter what Mourinho does, the Turkish player must be on the pitch. He is no longer a player who has bright moments, makes mistakes, and remains careless for long stretches after extraordinary moments. No. Now Arda is a player you can entrust the reins of Real Madrid to, a player who can inspire confidence with what he possesses and does. Building a team around his talent would be a solid strategy. Anything other than that points to an error. It was the first substitution. Some things seem never to change. Real Madrid won, but without the Turkish player, they performed far less brightly."
OK Diario:
"This is why they should play together: Bellingham scored the first goal of the Mourinho era from Güler's cross"
"The biggest question mark regarding Real Madrid's starting eleven was this: Should Jude Bellingham have started in the attacking midfield position instead of Arda Güler on Saturday, given his impressive pre-season performance? Jose Mourinho solved this problem by playing both in the starting eleven, and it was as if they were saying, 'Why don't we play together?' The Turkish player's left foot and the English player's header registered the Portuguese coach's first goal of his second spell at Real Madrid, just nine minutes into their first La Liga match."
Cadena SER:
"From Güler to Bellingham: The first goal of Mourinho's new Real Madrid came between two players fighting for a place in the starting eleven."
"With a somewhat surprising decision, considering the pre-season, Mourinho played Bellingham and Güler in the starting eleven; since the Turkish player was the most important name in the attacking midfield position and the English player was the last to join training. Arda played on the right wing, while Jude played in the center; both were highly dynamic."
Sport:
"Mourinho assigned him to the right wing and gave him the freedom to roam. The Turk performed excellently there as well. He took the free kick that led to the opening goal scored by Bellingham's header. Some of the most important attacking moves went through him; one of them was a great pass that put Dumfries one-on-one with goalkeeper Dmitrovic. His influence waned as the minutes passed, and he became the easiest substitution for Mourinho."
Defensa Central (David Jorquera):
"I didn't like Arda Güler being taken off. I think even though Vinicius should have been the one substituted, Mourinho chose the easy way out."
AS:
"ARDA GÜLER IS THE BEST OPTION"
"Mourinho says he doesn't yet see him as a suitable player for the double pivot midfield position, but circumstances may eventually lead him to change his mind. The Turkish player currently seems like the best option for Real Madrid in that position. He played on the right wing in this match but frequently moved inside. Playing in a more central role would benefit him even more. He delivered a perfect cross for Bellingham to score the opening goal. He also showed good link-up play with Mbappe several times. Given how Real Madrid played, he was substituted for Diomande in the 64th minute, which was a somewhat inexplicable change."