A Defeat That Meant More Than the Result

Real Madrid’s setback in their visit to Benfica was not only damaging on the scoreboard. The 3–2 loss in Lisbon exposed internal cracks that went beyond the final result and quickly drew attention within the club’s inner circle.

In a match filled with tension, with the score against them and little margin for reaction, every decision carried extra weight. One of those calls, made in the 79th minute, ended up becoming one of the most talked-about images of the night.

The Substitution That Sparked Güler’s Reaction

With Benfica leading on the scoreboard, Arda Güler was substituted as Real Madrid desperately searched for an equalizer. The decision did not sit well with the Turkish midfielder, who reacted immediately as he left the pitch.

On his way to the bench, Güler spread his arms, gestured in visible frustration, and repeated the same phrase twice, leaving no room for doubt: “Always me, always me.” A direct message, full of anger and impossible to hide from the cameras.

Arbeloa Under the Spotlight

The scene was clearly directed toward the bench, and especially toward Álvaro Arbeloa. The coach, currently facing maximum pressure at the helm of the team, found himself at the center of the debate after the reaction of one of his youngest and most high-profile players.

It is not the first time a substitution has caused noise at Real Madrid, but the context — a painful defeat in a crucial match — amplified the impact of Güler’s gesture. The feeling was clear: the player did not understand the decision and made his displeasure known without filters.

Warning Signs Inside the Locker Room

The episode revived an old concern at the club: control of the locker room. One significant defeat was enough to raise doubts about internal management, a situation reminiscent of previous eras on the Real Madrid bench.

Although the moment did not escalate further, the image sent an uncomfortable message. Individual frustration surfaced at a time when the team needed unity, composure, and leadership to respond on the pitch.

An Episode That Leaves Questions Unanswered

Beyond the immediate anger, the Güler situation opens a broader debate. Is this simply the frustration of a young talent seeking more prominence, or a sign of growing strain in his relationship with the coaching staff?

At Real Madrid, they know that moments like these — especially when repeated or widely shared — can weigh as heavily as a defeat itself. Arbeloa’s handling of the situation, the player’s response, and the team’s next steps will determine whether this episode remains an anecdote… or becomes the first symptom of something deeper.

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