Real Madrid achieved a crucial victory against Getafe (0-1) in a match more complicated than desired. Although the whites took the three points, the victory left more than one takeaway, and one of them caused a stir after the final whistle. Before getting to the heart of the controversy, it's worth talking about who was the real protagonist of the match.
Arda Güler's Moment
Arda Güler, Madrid's young Turkish gem, scored the only goal of the match. He did it with class, precision, and a lot of calm.
He barely needed a clear chance to decide the match. His goal, a precise right-footed shot after an elaborate play, was enough to seal the victory.
The goal was his introduction in a big, quiet, but lethal match. Güler is asking for more minutes with actions, not words. In a context where there's a lot of talk about promises, he replied with what counts: goals and points.
Ancelotti Values and Throws a Dart
After the match, Carlo Ancelotti appeared before the media with his usual calm tone. He positively valued the team's effort, especially in a second half where Getafe pressed with everything.
"It was an important victory, although we suffered more than we should have," he admitted. The Italian coach was satisfied, but not completely. He knew the match could have been closed earlier.
When asked about the performance of the young Brazilian forward, his expression changed. There came the night's most direct criticism.
The Failed 'Colpo' and Immediate Substitution
Endrick's name didn't appear on the scoreboard, but it did on the front pages the next day. He was a starter, a decision that surprised many. He was willing, participative, but in a clear chance in the second half, he failed in a striking way.
He attempted a chip in a one-on-one that ended in nothing. It was a striking miss. A second later, Ancelotti decided to substitute him and minutes later, in a press conference, he was clear:
"In soccer, there's no theater club," he said. "He's young, he has to learn. In that play, he had to shoot hard and that's it," he added with a serious expression.
Excess or Lesson?
The coach's words were interpreted by some as a necessary lesson. For others, a public humiliation. The truth is that the message was direct: at Real Madrid, there's no room for unnecessary embellishments when the match is alive.
Endrick has talent, that's evident. But in this team, that's not enough. The demand is maximum, and mistakes are paid with criticism... even from your own bench.