Arda Güler named MVP against Betis after creating seven chances

Real Madrid suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Real Betis, but Arda Güler still received the post-match MVP award. The Turkish midfielder created seven chances despite being withdrawn after only 64 minutes.

MADRID’S MAIN CREATIVE OUTLET

Güler started on the right side of Real Madrid’s attack but frequently moved into central areas to influence the build-up. Madrid produced opportunities throughout the contest, and the 21-year-old supplied a significant share of their final passes.

According to figures published by Managing Madrid, Güler created seven chances worth a combined 0.68 expected assists. No other Madrid player matched that total. Jude Bellingham ranked second within the team, producing three fewer chances.

Güler did not record a goal or an assist because none of the openings he created were converted. That does not diminish the quality of his performance. His passing repeatedly moved Madrid into dangerous positions and gave the forwards opportunities to decide the game.

MOURINHO EXPLAINS THE EARLY SUBSTITUTION

Güler was replaced by Yan Diomande in the 64th minute with the score still goalless. José Mourinho later explained that the substitution was prompted by the midfielder’s yellow card and the risk attached to leaving him on the pitch.

It was therefore not a negative assessment of his display. Mourinho chose to protect the team as the match became increasingly heated, even though the decision removed Madrid’s most productive creator.

Troy Parrott eventually broke the deadlock in the 81st minute after Thibaut Courtois had parried a header. Kylian Mbappé struck the crossbar four minutes later, Carlos Espí had an overhead-kick equaliser disallowed for offside following a VAR review, and Álvaro Vallés saved a stoppage-time penalty from Mbappé.

AN INDIVIDUAL AWARD ON A FRUSTRATING NIGHT

Real Madrid accumulated 3.16 expected goals without scoring. Based on data available since the beginning of the 2020/21 season, it was their highest xG total in a match in which they failed to find the net.

That number reinforces the value of Güler’s performance. Madrid’s primary problem was not reaching promising positions but converting the opportunities once they arrived there. The Turkish international provided vision, accuracy and a consistent route into the final third.

The MVP award cannot recover the three points, but it underlines Güler’s growing importance under Mourinho. Even during Madrid’s first defeat of the season, the young midfielder offered another convincing demonstration of his ability to shape matches through creativity and intelligent use of the ball.