In the off-season, Madrid’s side didn’t have many chances to test their readiness, but one proved telling: “Real” confidently dealt with the Austrian “Tirol,” and Turkish midfielder Arda Güler once again reminded everyone why he’s viewed as a star project. On the turf he looked mature and bold, and off the pitch he got into a funny situation — he tried a reaction-based video game and unexpectedly yielded to virtual traffic.
Real’s Only Summer Test: Emphatic 4:0
The Madrid club played its only friendly of the summer and beat “Tirol” 4:0 without any nerves. For a preseason run-out, it’s the ideal scenario: high intensity, quick ball circulation, and efficient finishing. The team did the job without any fuss — exactly the kind of result expected from a powerhouse in July–August.
Güler in the XI: Work Rate and Creativity
Arda was named in the starting XI and stayed on the pitch for almost the entire match. He didn’t score, but he consistently contributed to build-up play, found pockets between the lines, sped up the transition from defense to attack, and timed his movements well to receive passes. For a young player, these are the markers of progress: off-the-ball discipline, good decisions in the final third, and a steady intent to play forward.
Reaction Check: Arcade Level
Off the football pitch, Güler starred in a short clip: the video game required saving a cat crossing the road through heavy traffic. The coordination and quick-thinking task turned into a humorous moment — the mission, it seems, fell short, but the sincere attempt definitely lifted viewers’ spirits.
Bottom Line: The Real Test Is the Match
Jokes aside, professionals are judged by what they do on the pitch. And by that measure Güler convinces: his assured shift in the starting lineup and involvement in a comprehensive win matter far more than any virtual challenge. If the Turkish midfielder maintains this momentum, the coming season could be his step from prospect to a steady influence on the game.
