The friendly match between Türkiye and Spain, which ended with a resounding 0-6, left one of the most talked-about images of the day. When the match was already decided and only a few minutes remained, Arda Güler lost his temper with Lamine Yamal. He shoved him twice in a play that had no significance.
The Real Madrid player's gesture surprised both his own and others, especially because the score reflected an undeniable rout. The Turkish player seemed to be looking for time to stage a comeback.
On TVE, commentator Juan Carlos Rivero tried to downplay what happened. He sent a message to the Madridist crowd: "We must be generous in victory."
These words tried to disguise the obvious: Güler's helplessness against a rival that has outperformed him in every encounter. However, Rivero sided with the Turkish Real Madrid player rather than the Spanish Barça player.
It seems he's trying to win over Madridists, who accuse him of being a culé and anti-Madridist, and the same thing happens with journalists as with referees: harassment.
The clash that changed everything
After the final whistle, controversy quickly reached the Spanish locker room. Luis de la Fuente, national coach, didn't like the altercation at all and spoke with Lamine to hear his version of what happened.
The Barça forward was clear and concise: "I saw Güler very, very nervous and he took it out on me. He pushed me, I didn't touch him."
This response showed that the clash was no accident, but rather the result of the Real Madrid player's frustration, who then went after Fermín, grabbing his jersey.
Lamine, far from falling for the provocation, replied with a smile and prevented the situation from escalating. His maturity contrasted with the Turkish player's reaction, who was unable to accept defeat.
The numbers weighing on Güler
The clash with Lamine can't be understood without reviewing their recent history. In the last five matches in which they've faced each other, Güler has lost absolutely all of them.
Five consecutive defeats and a devastating record: 22 goals conceded by his teams. This fact speaks for itself and helps explain the Real Madrid player's frustration.
Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal keeps adding to his achievements. This season, he has played five official matches and has already directly contributed to seven goals: five as a scorer and two as an assist provider.
Yesterday, he excelled again with two more assists, confirming his decisive role in Spain's attack.
An unfair comparison
Despite the evidence, certain sectors of the Madridist media keep insisting on comparing Güler with Lamine Yamal. Before the match, some panelists spoke of them as equivalent talents.
However, the reality on the field shows the exact opposite. The culé makes a difference match after match, while the Turkish player still hasn't managed to establish himself at Real Madrid.
This media pressure also takes a toll on the footballer himself, who, instead of focusing on improving his performance, lets himself be carried away by frustration. Hence the action against Lamine and the ugly jersey grab against Fermín, which capped off a very discreet performance.
The message for the future
The episode will serve as a lesson for everyone. For Lamine, who knew how to keep calm and give a mature response. For Güler, who must understand that the comparison with his Barça counterpart only hurts him.
For De la Fuente, who saw how coexistence within the national team can become tense at any moment.