Real Madrid’s 1–0 Champions League win over Juventus wasn’t just about three points — it was about a moment that melted every Madridista’s heart.
After the final whistle, a short tunnel exchange between Xabi Alonso and Arda Guler turned into one of the most touching scenes of the season.
The young Turkish star, who has quickly become a fan favorite, has enjoyed a real transformation under Alonso.
Once a forgotten talent under Carlo Ancelotti, Guler has evolved into one of Madrid’s brightest sparks. His creativity, control, and confidence have earned him both the coach’s trust and the crowd’s admiration.
After the match, cameras caught Guler approaching Alonso in the tunnel.
According to Madrid-Barcelona, the midfielder said with a smile: “Coach, now I feel very important thanks to you.” Alonso didn’t hesitate — he hugged him and replied, “Arda, this is only the beginning.”
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Xabi Alonso and Arda Guler: A bond built on trust and belief
That simple moment told the story of Guler’s rise. When Alonso arrived at the Bernabeu, he made it clear he believed in the 20-year-old’s talent.
“Arda is in the process of improving everything,” the coach said earlier this week. “He’s 20 years old and has already played a few games for Madrid. With his age and quality, we have to support him.”
And support him he did. Guler now plays with freedom — sometimes as a No. 10, sometimes deeper — and Alonso has used him to control games or unlock defenses when Madrid needs a spark.
Guler himself admitted, “If he wants me to score and assist, he plays me as a 10. If he wants me to control the tempo, he plays me as an 8.”
His stats back it up too: three goals and five assists in 12 matches. More than numbers, though, it’s his confidence that has fans chanting his name again.
The sight of Alonso’s arm around his young star summed up the new Madrid mood — calm, connected, and full of belief. In a world of pressure and quick judgments, sometimes all a player needs is a coach who says, “This is only the beginning.”
