The forthcoming El Clasico will be a do-or-die situation for Real Madrid. The club has lost every major title this season, and this game is their best chance of getting closer to the La Liga crown.
That is, of course, assuming Barcelona lose additional points following the Clasico. The mathematics of the points table are currently against Real Madrid and it does not appear to get better anytime soon considering the form Barcelona are in.
And merely staying in the race requires a win in the El Clasico. Los Blancos did show some indications of improvement in their most recent Copa Del Rey match against the Catalan club, where just one mistake in extra time cost them the trophy.
But the game provided a significant boost to Madrid's overall morale. The team appeared considerably more structured and focused on a single goal.
Young Real Madrid midfielder needs to start El Clasico at any cost
And one player was in the thick of the action: Arda Guler. Following his substitution alongside Luka Modric, he organized the best second half Real Madrid have likely played this season.
After that, he won a starting spot in the game against Celta Vigo, where he proved to be a hero in the end.
An fantastic curler from the edge of the box and a brilliant assist to Kylian Mbappe were not the only highlights of the game for the Turkish sensation.
Guler had an astounding 100% passing accuracy in 83 minutes of play. I don't recall seeing anything close to it since Toni Kroos' departure.
He produced three huge chances for Los Blancos and had a 75% shot on target accuracy, with three of his shots almost reaching the goal.
Guler was unquestionably Real Madrid's finest player on the pitch, with 100% accurate long balls and an overall exceptional performance. He was the key they had been looking for, and they must have regretted not finding it sooner.
Carlo Ancelotti, too, praised the youngster and recognized the talent he offers to the team.
It is now vital that he starts the El Clasico. He came so close to clinching the victory over Barcelona in Seville that he might do it again.