15.10.2026 13:31
Arda Güler left his mark on the Champions League match in which Real Madrid came back from 3-1 down against Roma to win 4-3. The national team star, who set up the historic comeback with two assists, received praise from the Spanish press, while Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's remarks drew attention.
In the second week of the UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid produced an unforgettable comeback away to Roma. In the Spanish giants' 4-3 win after falling 3-1 behind, one of the heroes of the night was national player Arda Güler. Coming on as a substitute and providing two assists, the young star drew praise from both the Spanish press and opposing coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
ARDA GÜLER CAME ON, THE COURSE OF THE MATCH CHANGED
Roma took the lead through Marten de Roon's goal in the 20th minute, while Real Madrid equalized five minutes later through Kylian Mbappe. The first half ended 1-1. In the second half, with Donyell Malen's goals in the 51st and 57th minutes, Roma took a 3-1 lead.
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho sent on Endrick and Arda Güler in the 59th minute in place of Vinicius Junior and Denzel Dumfries.
Real Madrid reduced the deficit to one through Carlos Espi's goal in the 83rd minute, and in the 85th minute equalized through Endrick's goal assisted by Arda Güler. The national star, taking the stage once again in the 90th minute, became one of the architects of the historic 4-3 victory with his assist for Antonio Rüdiger.
GASPERINI: I HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH A TALENT IN MY LIFE
Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini, speaking after the match, said Real Madrid changed completely when Arda Güler came on.
The Italian manager said, “When Arda Güler came onto the pitch, everything changed. Suddenly Real Madrid found a different rhythm. Their passes became sharper, their movements became more unpredictable, and we began to struggle to control midfield. It was as if we were playing a completely different team.”
Gasperini, stating he was amazed by Arda's talent, said, “I have never seen a player with such extraordinary talent at his age. His vision, technique, calmness, and understanding of football are extraordinary. He does not need more than one touch to create something. Sometimes a single pass from him is enough to destroy the opponent's entire defensive structure.”
“THAT'S THE SCARIEST PART”
Gasperini also drew attention to Arda Güler's football intelligence and praised the national player's ability to make the right decisions under pressure.
“Arda combines technique with incredible football intelligence. He knows when to speed up the game, when to slow it down, when to play between the lines, and when to deliver that decisive pass. The scariest part is that he makes difficult football look simple.”
Gasperini responded to those who question Arda Güler's importance by saying, “I would tell them to watch the match again. Watch what happened before he came onto the pitch, and then what happened after he came on.”
MARCA: ARDA GÜLER'S LEFT FOOT MADE 3 MIRACLES HAPPEN
The Spanish newspaper Marca emphasized that Arda Güler played a decisive role in Real Madrid's comeback. The newspaper used the words, “Arda Güler's left foot stepped in and sparked three miracles,” drawing attention to the national star's impact in the final part of the match.
AS: A LEFT FOOT UNSEEN ON FOOTBALL PITCHES
The newspaper AS, meanwhile, stated that the biggest change in the match came when Arda Güler entered the game. The Spanish newspaper assessed, “The biggest change was Arda. First he made a difference through his absence, and then through the importance of his entrance into the game.”
It was emphasized that the passes from Arda's left foot gave Real Madrid's attacks a new dimension.
EL PAIS: HE KEPT HIS COMPOSURE IN THE MIDST OF CHAOS
El Pais also highlighted the national player's performance under pressure. The newspaper used the words, “In the midst of chaos, Arda Güler kept his composure and took two perfect corners that led to Endrick's and Rüdiger's goals.”
While Arda Güler's two assists were decisive in Real Madrid winning 4-3 from a match in which they fell 3-1 behind, the national star became one of the most talked-about names of the Champions League night.