Real Madrid advanced to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League after defeating Atletico Madrid on penalties, following a tightly contested match on March 13, 2025. Despite the victory, one of the most talked-about aspects of the match was the decision of coach Carlo Ancelotti not to play Turkish star Arda Güler at all during the match.
The match kicked off with Atletico Madrid taking the lead just 27 seconds after the whistle blew, with Conor Gallagher scoring the opening goal. Throughout the game, both teams struggled to find the net again, resulting in extra time before heading to penalties. Real Madrid emerged victorious, winning the shootout 4-2, which secured their advancement to the next stage of the tournament.
Fans, journalists, and analysts quickly criticized Ancelotti's decision not to utilize Güler, who was summoned to warm up late in the game but was not called upon to play. This lack of playing time has led to increasing scrutiny of Ancelotti's strategies and selections, particularly concerning his treatment of young players.
Die-hard Real Madrid supporters were vocal on social media, expressing frustration and questioning whether Ancelotti was being fair to Güler. "Is Ancelotti treating Arda unfairly?" and "Why is Arda Güler not being played?" were common sentiments shared across various platforms, highlighting the fans' impatience with the situation.
Many are concerned about the impact this lack of game time could have on Güler's development as a player. Despite being regarded as one of the brightest young talents, Güler has seen limited action under Ancelotti's direction. His future at Real Madrid seems uncertain, with some conversations hinting at the possibility of him being loaned to another club to gain valuable experience. The need for game time has become increasingly urgent, especially with his potential and the significant expectations surrounding him since his arrival at the club.
For the upcoming match against Villarreal, Ancelotti indicated he might rotate his squad, reflecting on the physical and mental toll the Atletico match took on the players. This could potentially open the door for Güler to finally see some minutes on the pitch. Reports suggest Ancelotti plans to start Güler against Villarreal, aiming to give him the playing time he desperately needs. It's hoped this opportunity will allow Güler to showcase his skills and contribute positively to the team moving forward.
There’s no denying Güler’s impact when he does play; this season, he has clocked over 1,081 minutes across all competitions, contributing significantly with three goals and five assists. Yet, the questions remain whether Güler will receive the trust and chances he deserves from Ancelotti.
The concerns about Güler's position have reached beyond fans, catching the attention of commentators who are similarly perplexed by Ancelotti's decisions. Many point out the coach's apparent reluctance to field Güler, particularly when juxtaposed with his willingness to play other younger players like Jude Bellingham. This inconsistency raises eyebrows, with some fans expressing fears over how this treatment could stifle Güler’s development and impact his longevity at the club.
Looking forward, Real Madrid’s matchup against Arsenal looms large, promising another intense competition as they continue seeking European glory. How Güler will fit or how much time he'll see remain to be seen, but there’s little doubt fans are hoping to see him on the pitch.
With the Champions League’s quarter-finals set to kick off on April 8-9, 2025, one can only hope Ancelotti reevaluates team dynamics to incorporate promising young talents like Güler more effectively during this crunch time.
Only time will tell how these pivotal matches will shape the future of both Güler and Real Madrid as they navigate through the challenging demands of high-level football.