During Real Madrid’s dominant 3-0 victory over Girona, an important moment went largely unnoticed, yet it played a crucial role in turning the tide of the match.
The incident involved a brief but intense exchange between Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler, which sparked a significant shift in the team’s performance.
As reported by MARCA, the tension started when Bellingham, frustrated with the lack of pressure from his teammates, particularly Guler, took the initiative to demand more aggression.
He urged the young Turkish player to play faster and apply more pressure on Girona’s defense. In response, Guler didn’t back down, and a confrontation ensued between the two players.
This brief altercation, rather than causing a rift in the team, had the opposite effect. Instead of leading to a negative atmosphere, it energized the squad.
Bellingham’s leadership was on display
jude bellingham x arda guler 🤍pic.twitter.com/Igw83hrk74
— Ria (@itsjudithworld) December 7, 2024
The Girona side had been causing problems for Carlo Ancelotti’s men, pressing them high and making it difficult for Madrid to find their rhythm.
But Bellingham, in a moment of frustration, pointed out the lack of intensity and demanded a higher level of urgency. His actions and words stirred something in the team.
Bellingham’s insistence sparked the captains to also raise their game. The entire team responded by increasing their aggression, pressing Girona harder, and speeding up their play.
The instant impact
As a result, Real Madrid began to push forward with much more pace and intensity, and soon after, Bellingham himself found the back of the net.
Bellingham and Arda Guler after being subbed off 😄pic.twitter.com/HpWnPWnkuw
— Real Madrid Info ³⁶ (@RMadridInfo) December 7, 2024
Guler, who had been visibly frustrated during the exchange, began to play a more prominent role.
His anger seemed to fuel his performance, and he started winning back possession from Girona’s defenders, contributing significantly to his team’s attacking play.
The tension between Bellingham and Guler was quickly forgotten, especially after Guler scored. The two players shared a warm hug in celebration, signalling their mutual respect and understanding.
This reconciliation was also mirrored on the bench, where Bellingham made sure to embrace Guler again, ensuring that the moment of conflict was well and truly behind them.
This hug symbolized not only the resolution of their disagreement but also the renewed energy and unity that had been injected into the team.