Arda Guler’s long-range free-kick gives Turkey early Nations League lift against Belgium

Arda Guler scored a stunning long-range free-kick as Turkey made a fast start against Belgium in their UEFA Nations League meeting at Gursel Aksel Stadium on Thursday.

The Real Madrid midfielder put the hosts ahead in the 20th minute, striking from a considerable distance with a superbly executed set-piece to give Turkey an early boost in the fifth round of the group stage.

Belgium responded quickly. Kevin De Bruyne levelled in the 27th minute before Charles De Ketelaere completed the visitors’ turnaround four minutes later to make it 2-1.

The match is Turkey’s first competitive fixture under new manager Sergen Yalcın, who replaced Italy’s Vincenzo Montella following a difficult opening to the campaign.

Turkey had lost all four of their previous Group A matches in League A. They began with a 1-0 defeat by France, followed by a 4-1 loss to Italy, a 3-0 reverse against Belgium and another defeat by Italy, this time by a 3-1 scoreline.

Those results left Turkey bottom of the group without a point. They had scored only two goals and conceded 11, increasing the pressure on Montella and ultimately leading to his departure.

Yalcın is hoping to restore balance to the side by building around a group of young talents. Guler is among Turkey’s main attacking players, while Hakan Calhanoglu provides significant international experience from his time with Inter Milan.

Belgium arrived with a different objective as they sought to strengthen their position in the battle to reach the knockout stages. They had won two of their first four matches and lost twice to France.

Manager Mark van Bommel’s squad includes experienced figures such as De Bruyne, now with Napoli, and Youri Tielemans. Jeremy Doku also returned to the Belgium squad after recovering from injury.

Belgium won the previous meeting between the teams on 2 October by a convincing 3-0 scoreline. De Bruyne scored twice, in the 10th and 60th minutes, before Romelu Lukaku added the third.

Turkey therefore began the latest encounter seeking to end a run of poor results and avenge that defeat, while Belgium were aiming to claim three more points in their pursuit of qualification.

The campaign carries particular significance for Turkey because this is their first appearance in League A, having been promoted from League B. They were drawn alongside France, Italy and Belgium in a demanding group.

Belgium, meanwhile, are attempting to re-establish themselves among Europe’s leading teams after finishing third in their group in the previous edition. Turkey’s immediate priority is to avoid direct relegation from League A, although their position had already become difficult after four successive defeats.