Arda Guler Shines as Madrid Close Gap on Barca

Real Madrid edged past Getafe with a narrow 1-0 away victory in their La Liga clash on April 23, thanks to a moment of brilliance from Arda Guler. The win saw Carlo Ancelotti’s men close the gap on league leaders Barcelona to just four points as the title race intensifies.

Guler, handed a rare start, seized the spotlight with a stunning right-footed strike from outside the box in the 21st minute—his third goal of the season and 10th in a Real Madrid shirt. The 19-year-old Turkish sensation made his presence felt in a game that offered few clear-cut chances.

Thibaut Courtois played a vital role in preserving the lead with key saves throughout the match, keeping Getafe’s persistent attack at bay. Despite enjoying only 36% possession, Getafe mustered 20 shots—six more than Madrid—but couldn’t find a breakthrough.

Real Madrid controlled the rhythm with 64% possession and registered seven shots on target compared to Getafe’s six. It wasn’t the most dominant performance, but Los Blancos showed grit and composure to grind out a crucial win.

With this result, Real Madrid now have 72 points from 33 matches. Their attention now turns to the Copa del Rey final on April 26, where a clash with Barcelona awaits. Having already lifted the UEFA Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup this season, a Spanish Cup victory could further cement their dominance in domestic and international competitions.

Milan 3-0 Inter: Jovic Stars as Rossoneri End Treble Hopes

AC Milan emphatically dashed Inter Milan’s treble dreams with a commanding 3-0 victory in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal, advancing to the final on a 4-1 aggregate. Luka Jovic starred with a brace, propelling Milan to their third win over their city rivals this season.

Having already defeated Inter in January’s Italian Super Cup final, Milan once again asserted their supremacy in the Derby della Madonnina. The result keeps hopes alive for coach Sérgio Conceição, whose position has come under scrutiny amid Milan’s poor Serie A form—they sit ninth and are at risk of missing out on European competition next season.

Jovic opened the scoring with a precise header from Álex Jiménez’s cross in the 36th minute, then doubled the lead shortly after halftime by forcing home a loose ball from a corner. The win was sealed late on when Tijjani Reijnders calmly finished from a tight angle after being set up inside the box.

“We had to show our character—and we did,” said Jovic post-match. “Now we’re going to Rome.”

Inter had early chances, including Federico Dimarco rattling the crossbar and Lautaro Martínez missing a sitter, but Milan were clinical. Inter, who also lost to Bologna over the weekend in Serie A, will now shift focus to their upcoming Champions League semifinal against Barcelona.

Bologna face Empoli in the second leg of the other semifinal, with a 3-0 lead in hand. The Coppa Italia final is scheduled for May 14 in Rome.

Arsenal 2-2 Crystal Palace: Gunners Drop Points But Escape Unscathed

Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Crystal Palace, a result that inches Liverpool closer to the Premier League title. In a match that lacked intensity, both sides appeared more focused on upcoming key fixtures—Arsenal’s Champions League semifinal and Palace’s FA Cup semifinal.

The Gunners started strong with Jakub Kiwior nodding home from a free kick in just the third minute. But Eberechi Eze leveled the score with a stunning volley from the edge of the box following a corner. Arsenal responded before halftime, with Leandro Trossard’s deflected effort restoring the lead.

However, a defensive error from William Saliba gifted Palace an equalizer late on. Jean-Phillippe Mateta intercepted a poor pass and chipped a stranded David Raya, capping a night of shaky defending for Arsenal. The Gunners conceded 2.2 xG—one of their worst defensive showings this season.

There were some bright spots: Gabriel Martinelli continued his strong form, Trossard impressed up front in the absence of Partey, and no fresh injuries were reported. However, Arteta’s side lacked sharpness and cohesion overall.

Arsenal now turn their attention to a crucial Champions League clash against PSG. While not the ideal tune-up, the North London side will be hoping to flip the switch in front of a home crowd on the European stage.