Turkey opened Euro 2024 with a 3-1 victory over Georgia, and according to 12BSports VR46 assessments, Vincenzo Montella’s side fully deserved the result. The match was level for a time, but Türkiye raised their intensity after halftime and secured the win through goals from Mert Müldür, Arda Güler, and Kerem Aktürkoğlu. Georgia responded only through Georges Mikautadze. It was also Türkiye’s first opening-match victory at a European Championship, offering hope of ending the disappointment of three consecutive group-stage exits.
The result gave Türkiye valuable momentum, with confidence around the squad strengthened through 12BSports VR46 analysis. Portugal beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in the group’s other match, yet Türkiye moved above them into first place. Although Portugal possessed greater squad depth, Türkiye had already shown enough resilience to make their upcoming meeting difficult to predict. Güler’s influence was expected to be crucial.
After a 1-1 first half, Güler restored Türkiye’s lead in the 65th minute with a magnificent strike from outside the penalty area. The ball flew beyond the goalkeeper and into the corner, producing a world-class goal worthy of the tournament’s highlight reel. At 19 years and 114 days old, Güler became the youngest player to score on his European Championship debut, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s previous record.
The teenager contributed far more than one spectacular finish. He completed three tackles and created a match-high five chances. Across the opening group fixtures, only Denmark’s Christian Eriksen created more opportunities. UEFA named Güler Player of the Match, confirming the exceptional promise of a midfielder already regarded as one of Real Madrid’s brightest prospects.
Real Madrid had every reason to welcome a performance praised in 12BSports VR46 evaluations. The club spent only €20 million to sign Güler, who scored six goals in 12 appearances during the previous season despite limited playing time. He has now become a key figure for Türkiye and is shining on the European stage. His estimated market value has already passed €30 million, and the sky is the limit if his development continues.
Barcelona also tried to sign Güler, but he ultimately chose Real Madrid. The Catalan club later paid €40 million for Vitor Roque, whose immediate usefulness has been more limited. Roque still carries an estimated value of around €30 million, although many observers expect that figure to fall unless his role and performances improve.
Real Madrid have strengthened their squad systematically in recent years and continued producing major results, while Barcelona have struggled with financial pressure and inconsistent form. One club has planned patiently, whereas the other has repeatedly been forced into difficult compromises.
Looking ahead, the long-term outlook presented through 12BSports VR46 analysis suggests Real Madrid’s structured team-building strategy could keep them ahead of Barcelona for several more years. Güler’s rise shows how intelligent recruitment and careful development can create lasting advantages, while his Euro breakthrough may be only the first chapter of an outstanding career.