Madrid: A stunning long-range strike from Arda Guler stole the spotlight as Real Madrid powered to a 4-1 win over Elche in La Liga on Saturday, while Atletico Madrid secured a narrow victory over Getafe.

Guler produced the moment of the night late in the match, launching an audacious effort from nearly 70 yards near the centre circle after spotting Elche goalkeeper Matias Dituro off his line. The looping strike sailed over the stranded keeper and dropped into the net, sealing an emphatic victory for the hosts at the Santiago Bernabeu.

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Real Madrid had already taken control of the contest with a strong first-half display. Antonio Rudiger opened the scoring in the 39th minute, rifling home after Elche failed to clear a rebound from a Federico Valverde free-kick.

Valverde, who enjoyed a sensational midweek performance in the Champions League against Manchester City, added Madrid’s second before the break. The Uruguayan midfielder created space on the edge of the area and curled a precise finish into the top corner.

Dean Huijsen extended the lead in the second half, heading in a cross from teenage winger Daniel Yanez as Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa rotated his squad and introduced several youngsters.

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Elche pulled one back late when Madrid substitute Manuel Angel inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net while attempting a clearance, but Guler’s spectacular long-range effort soon restored the three-goal cushion.

The victory keeps Madrid firmly in the title race, moving them within a point of league leaders Barcelona ahead of the Catalan side’s clash with Sevilla on Sunday.

Elche’s struggles continued as the defeat extended their winless league run to 11 matches, leaving them hovering just above the relegation zone.

In another match, Atletico Madrid secured a 1-0 win over Getafe to strengthen their position in third place.

Nahuel Molina scored the decisive goal early, unleashing a powerful strike from over 25 yards that flew into the top corner. The match later saw controversy when Getafe defender Abdel Abqar was sent off following a VAR review for an off-the-ball incident involving Atletico striker Alexander Sorloth.

Despite rotating several players ahead of their upcoming Champions League trip to Tottenham, Atletico held on under sustained second-half pressure to claim all three points and extend their strong run of form.

Elsewhere, Girona cruised to a 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao, while Real Oviedo beat Valencia 1-0 but remained bottom of the table.