LISBON – Real Madrid’s 4-2 defeat to Benfica was marked by more than just a poor result on the pitch. In the second half, Turkish sensation Arda Güler was caught by Movistar cameras reacting furiously after being substituted by interim manager Álvaro Arbeloa.
The incident occurred in the 78th minute when Arbeloa opted to replace Güler with Brahim Díaz in an attempt to inject more speed into the attack. The young midfielder, who had been one of Madrid’s most influential players including providing the assist for Kylian Mbappé’s goal did not hide his frustration, gesturing wildly toward the coaching staff as he left the field.
A Tactical Disconnect?
The decision to withdraw Güler came as a surprise to many, given his recent form. Over the last ten matches, the 20-year-old has started six times, contributing five assists and becoming a creative pillar for the Merengues.
Arbeloa’s tactical gamble failed to pay dividends, as the triple substitution did little to alter the scoreline. For Güler, this was the first time he had been substituted in nearly ten appearances, with his last early exit dating back to the La Liga clash against Sevilla.
🚨 « 𝗖’𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗝𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗦 𝗠𝗢𝗜 ! 𝗖’𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗝𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗦 𝗠𝗢𝗜 ! » 😤
Arda Güler 🇹🇷 après sa sortie hier face à Benfica. pic.twitter.com/H2IDAEMexI
— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) January 29, 2026
Florentino Pérez Intervenes
The outburst comes at a sensitive time for the locker room. According to Cadena SER, club president Florentino Pérez recently held a private meeting with key players, including Güler, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, and Franco Mastantuono.
The purpose of the meeting was to demand a shift in attitude and maintain discipline during this turbulent transition period. Güler’s public display of anger may now put him in the spotlight for the wrong reasons, just as the club’s hierarchy calls for unity.
Wilson Gaspar is a football analyst covering the UEFA Champions League, focusing on match previews, tactical reviews, and the performance of Europe’s top clubs throughout the competition.
