Real Madrid secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Elche in a La Liga match, with the standout moment being a spectacular goal from Turkish midfielder Arda Guler, struck from inside his own half. The 21-year-old spotted Elche goalkeeper Matías Dituro off his line in the 89th minute and unleashed a stunning left-footed lob that sailed over the stranded keeper, bounced once, and nestled into the net, sending the Santiago Bernabeu into rapturous applause.

Madrid's other goals came from Antonio Rudiger in the 39th minute, Federico Valverde just before halftime, and Dean Huijsen in the 66th minute. Valverde continued his rich scoring form, netting his fifth goal in three games, including a hat-trick in the midweek Champions League win against Manchester City. Elche's sole consolation was a late own goal by Manuel Angel.

The win propels Real Madrid to second place in the La Liga table, now just one point behind leaders Barcelona, who face Sevilla on Sunday. This marks Madrid's third consecutive victory, a turnaround after two league losses prior to the dismissal of coach Xabi Alonso in January.

Under interim manager Alvaro Arbeloa, the team has produced one of its best performances of the season, including a 3-0 triumph over Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. Madrid carries a three-goal advantage into the return leg in Manchester on Tuesday. With the La Liga title race tightening, what appeared to be a nightmare season for Madrid could still culminate in a double pursuit of the Champions League and domestic league titles.

Elche, promoted to La Liga last season, remains deeply embroiled in a relegation battle, sitting just one point above third-from-bottom Mallorca, who host Espanyol on Sunday.

Source: www.aljazeera.com