Real Madrid secured a dominant 4-1 victory over Elche on matchday 28 of La Liga on the evening of 14/3, highlighted by a spectacular goal from Arda Guler. Guler sealed the win with a stunning chip shot from 65 meters, leaving fans at the Bernabeu in awe. Antonio Rudiger, Federico Valverde, and Dean Huijsen also found the net for Real. Elche's sole goal came from an own goal by Manuel Angel. The win continued Real's strong form, coming just three days after their 3-0 triumph over Man City in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 on 11/3.

Despite the final score, Elche started the match well at the Bernabeu. While they posed little threat to goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, they made it difficult for the second-placed team to launch attacks. Real finally broke the deadlock in the 39th minute. A free kick from Valverde into the penalty area created a scramble, allowing Rudiger to score from a rebound shot.

Valverde celebrates his goal in Real's 4-1 win over Elche on La Liga matchday 28 on the evening of 14/3. Photo: EFE

Valverde celebrates his goal in Real's 4-1 win over Elche on La Liga matchday 28 on the evening of 14/3. Photo: EFE

Elche quickly lost their composure after conceding the first goal. Real extended their lead just six minutes later. Valverde received the ball at the edge of the penalty area, cut inside to create space, and then unleashed a curling shot into the net.

The Uruguayan midfielder capped off a brilliant individual week. He began by scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 victory against Celta Vigo on La Liga matchday 27, followed by a hat-trick against Man City, and then added another goal against Elche. His outstanding form has provided Real with stability as key players like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo are sidelined due to injuries.

Real continued to dominate Elche after halftime. Coach Alvaro Arbeloa confidently brought in several B-team players, including Daniel Yanez, Diego Aguado, Goncalo Garcia, Cesar Palacios, and Manuel Angel. In the 66th minute, Yanez delivered a pass to Huijsen, who headed it in to make the score 3-0.

Elche managed to pull one goal back in the 84th minute when Angel scored an own goal. A pass from Grady Diangana deflected off the post and into Real's net.

Guler celebrates his goal in Real's 4-1 win over Elche on La Liga matchday 28 on the evening of 14/3. Photo: AFP

Guler celebrates his goal in Real's 4-1 win over Elche on La Liga matchday 28 on the evening of 14/3. Photo: AFP

However, the visitors' joy was short-lived, lasting only two minutes. Guler, noticing goalkeeper Matias Dituro positioned high, executed a stunning chip shot from 65 meters to secure the 4-1 victory. Fans at the Bernabeu erupted in cheers, while Coach Arbeloa raised his hands in disbelief.

This emphatic victory once again puts pressure on Barca. Real, now in second place, has 66 points after 28 matches, trailing the league leaders by one point. Barca must defeat Sevilla on the evening of 15/3 to restore their four-point advantage.

Thanh Quy