In matchday 5 of La Liga, Real Madrid defeated Rayo Vallecano 4-1 at home. Following the match, AS deputy editor Roncero wrote an article commenting on the game, particularly praising substitute Arda Güler, calling him a "genie from a lamp" and stating that in his opinion, Güler should undoubtedly be a regular starter.

Another dominant victory

Mourinho's Real Madrid has become formidable at home. The Bernabéu continues to witness this team, built to win and score, triumph consistently and put in goals aplenty. Though they still squander some glaring opportunities, under the Portuguese coach this Real Madrid has become more ruthless. It is this hunger in the attacking third that causes opponents to crumble, allowing Real Madrid to destroy them mercilessly.

Joan Gufrán completely lost his composure. First, he conceded a childish penalty against Álvaro Carreras, who played well in this match; then he lost possession to Vinícius, and ultimately Carreras and Mbappé finished a brilliant one-touch combination. Mbappé was also one of the evening's standout performers.

At halftime, Rayo Vallecano was completely overwhelmed by this explosive, vibrant, and clinical Real Madrid. Standing before their goal was Indonesian goalkeeper Emil Audero, who in the future will be able to tell his grandchildren that he once played on the best stadium in the world. On the other side, Thibaut Courtois continued to produce miraculous saves that only he can make, repeatedly neutralizing the few dangerous Rayo Vallecano attacks. But then Real Madrid fell asleep...

Old habits

We've seen this situation before. Real Madrid, dominant and controlling in the first half, returned to the pitch sluggish, cold, and lacking spark, as if the match were already over.

Rayo Vallecano sensed this vulnerability, increased their intensity, and as a result, scored through Sergio Camello. This fine striker reached his peak in Paris two years ago, claiming Olympic gold in the final against the French team.

The light turned on

On the 70th minute, Arda Güler came on as a substitute, replacing Jude Bellingham, who made his first start of the evening. The English player showed glimpses but failed to produce a performance worthy of his remarkable price tag.

But Arda Güler delivered a masterclass in his 23 minutes on the pitch. He put on a show, orchestrating attacks, providing assists, creating space, drawing fouls, and serving corners like an angel. He also created a clear penalty, which the referee failed to award, and his brilliant ball control repeatedly had the crowd on its feet. He is a genie from a lamp, a player who can change the course of a match. In my opinion, he unquestionably deserves to be in the starting lineup. Now coach Mourinho must solve this dilemma: who needs to be dropped from the starting eleven so we can see this talented player from the beginning of the match...

A history with Rayo Vallecano

They are our local rivals, the most quintessential team from the working-class community. I grew up in Carabanchel, so I understand the sense of belonging such a place can give. This familiar Rayo Vallecano is also where my journalism career began. In 1985, I covered my first match as a journalist—a Segunda División game in the morning between Rayo Vallecano and Hércules.

Fans drank wine from wineskins and ate salami sandwiches, and everyone was always in good spirits. The Vallecas side ultimately won 2-1. Since then, I've always had fond feelings for them. However, my friend Jorge Valdano may not feel the same way. On January 20, 1996, while managing Real Madrid, he lost to Rayo Vallecano at the Bernabéu—Guillermo scored twice for the opposition—and Valdano was subsequently sacked as Real Madrid manager.

I also won't forget that incredible 10-2 match. Rafa Benítez was managing Real Madrid at the time; Bale scored 4 goals, Benzema scored 3, Cristiano Ronaldo scored 2... and Danilo scored one! Even then, Real Madrid supporters expressed frustration with the team's style of play.

Today, Rayo Vallecano's sporting leadership still includes two Real Madrid academy graduates: Cobos and Portillo, the latter being the all-time leading scorer of the now-defunct old Real Madrid academy. All in all, Rayo Vallecano is a very likeable club. However, we also know that Real Madrid often struggle against them in Vallecas, especially in recent years.

We hope that the next time they visit—which will be January 31, 2027—they will be able to at least return to playing their home matches in their own neighborhood, rather than remaining in "exile" at the cold Estadio de Vallecas...

Everyone's heading to watch Formula 1

After fulfilling their task, a significant part of the squad will be in Madrid tonight. This is a historic event that has captivated our stars. We hope Mourinho's Real Madrid can become Ferrari this season...

Переведено ИИ.

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