Brief
Arda Guler avoids red card before scoring winner in Real Madrid's 4-1 win over Sevilla
Gulf News says VAR did not intervene on the alleged elbow, allowing Guler to stay on the pitch and net a stunning finish.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Real Madrid secured a 4-1 victory over Sevilla at the Bernabeu on Sunday, with Turkish midfielder Arda Guler opening the scoring and escaping a potential red card for an alleged elbow on Sevilla midfielder Peque, Gulf News reported.
What happened
The match was level at 0-0 when, in the 22nd minute, Guler appeared to swing his arm backwards toward Peque away from the ball, leaving the Sevilla player on the ground. Sevilla players surrounded referee Mateo Busquets Ferrer demanding a red card. VAR reviewed the incident but, according to the outlet, could not determine the exact point of contact or force because camera angles did not capture the clash clearly.
What the reports add
Gulf News notes that the available footage, circulating on social media, shows Guler extending his arm but does not conclusively prove a strike to the face. Former Spanish referee Eduardo Iturralde Gonzalez is quoted as saying a blow to the face could merit a red card, while chest contact without excessive force might only warrant a yellow.
What was said
Iturralde Gonzalez told Gulf News that the limited television coverage made it difficult to decide on the appropriate punishment.
How it came about
Eight minutes after the controversy, Guler collected a left‑wing delivery from Yan Diomande and fired a first‑time finish to give Real Madrid the lead. Kylian Mbappé added a second goal before halftime, followed by a penalty in the second half. Sevilla’s Manu Bueno scored a consolation as José Mourinho’s side completed the win.
Key facts
- Real Madrid beat Sevilla 4-1 at the Bernabeu on 2026-10-18. (gulfnews.com)
- Arda Guler opened the scoring and avoided a red card for an alleged elbow on Peque. (gulfnews.com)
- VAR did not recommend an on‑field review due to insufficient camera angles. (gulfnews.com)
- Former referee Eduardo Iturralde Gonzalez said the footage was insufficient to determine a punishment. (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “Why Arda Guler escaped a red card for alleged elbow before scoring a stunner against Sevilla”
