Picture Credit: X
In the UEFA Nations League promotion/relegation playoff, Turkey secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Hungary at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, completing a 6-1 aggregate win and earning promotion to League A. During the heated second leg of the Nations League playoff match, tensions boiled between Hungary’s Dominik Szoboszlai and Turkey’s Arda Guler. Turkey claimed a dominant 3-0 victory, with Real Madrid star Guler scoring the second goal. His celebration, however, sparked controversy as he made a “shushing” gesture aimed at Liverpool’s Szoboszlai.
The incident didn’t end on the pitch. Szoboszlai responded on social media by commenting “1088” on a post featuring Guler’s gesture. The number represents the total minutes Guler has played for Real Madrid this season, contrasting sharply with Szoboszlai’s 2,887 minutes for Liverpool.
The exchange has sparked discussions among fans and media, highlighting Guler's limited playing time at Real Madrid. Fans and pundits were quick to weigh in, with some criticizing Guler’s taunt, while others praised Szoboszlai’s subtle yet cutting response. The incident has also reignited discussions about Guler’s limited playing time at Real Madrid, sparking speculation about a potential loan move.
Guler scores in Turkey’s 3-0 victory over Hungary
The match began with Turkey asserting dominance. Hakan Calhanoglu opened the scoring with a penalty, setting the tone for the visitors. Shortly after, Arda Guler, returning from suspension, doubled the lead with a well-executed goal, showcasing his offensive prowess. Defender Abdulkerim Bardakci sealed the victory in the 89th minute, heading in a corner to make it 3-0.
Hungary, despite the home advantage, struggled to capitalize on their opportunities. Their attempts to overturn the first-leg deficit were thwarted by Turkey's organized defense and clinical finishing. This result marks a significant setback for Hungary, who now face relegation after previously competing against top-tier teams like the Netherlands and Germany. Turkey's promotion is a testament to their consistent improvement, having climbed from League C to League A in successive campaigns.
