In a thrilling encounter at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Luka Modric made history as he became the oldest player to feature for Real Madrid at the age of 39, contributing significantly to his team’s 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo in La Liga. Coming off the bench as a second-half substitute, Modric provided the crucial assist for Vinicius Jr.’s match-winning goal, helping guide Real to an important win.
With this victory, Real Madrid has climbed to the top of Spain’s La Liga, now level on points with arch-rivals Barcelona. However, they trailed the Catalan giants in terms of goal difference and played one game more, intensifying the race for the league title. Barcelona is set to face Sevilla at 20:00 BST on Sunday, adding more pressure to the title challenge.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti praised Modric’s professionalism and influence both on and off the pitch. “It’s a pleasure to coach Modric and work with him. Everything he’s been able to achieve and is achieving, he deserves,” Ancelotti stated in an interview with Real Madrid TV. The Italian manager’s admiration for Modric reflects the Croatian’s integral role in the team’s success over the years.
The match started brightly for Real Madrid, as they took the lead after just 20 minutes. Kylian Mbappe, who has been in exceptional form since joining the club, showcased his striking prowess with a stunning long-range goal. After receiving a well-placed pass from Eduardo Camavinga, Mbappe took one touch before firing a shot into the top corner, leaving Celta’s goalkeeper Vicente Guaita with no chance.
However, Real Madrid’s performance was far from dominant, and Celta Vigo had several opportunities to equalize. Williot Swedberg, in particular, missed a golden chance when he found himself one-on-one with Thibaut Courtois but squandered the opportunity by firing wide of the target. This miss proved costly as Celta continued to apply pressure on the Madrid defense.
As the game progressed, Real Madrid appeared shaky defensively, allowing Celta to exploit counter-attacking opportunities. The home side struggled to create meaningful chances, and it became evident that they would need to dig deep to secure the win.
Celta Vigo’s persistence finally paid off just five minutes after the restart. Swedberg redeemed himself by turning home a low cross from Oscar Mingueza, leveling the score at 1-1. This goal injected fresh life into the game and sent the Celta fans into raptures, putting Real Madrid on the back foot.
Vinicius Jr. thought he had restored Real’s lead shortly after Celta’s equalizer, but his goal was ruled out for offside. This was a frustrating moment for the Brazilian, who had been a constant threat to the Celta defense. Similarly, Borja Iglesias had seen a goal disallowed for the visitors earlier in the match, highlighting the thin margins that often decide football matches.
Despite the setback, Real Madrid regained their composure and pushed forward. The turning point came when Modric, showcasing his trademark vision and passing ability, sent a perfectly weighted pass from deep in midfield to Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian, taking full advantage of the opportunity, expertly turned the ball past Guaita to put Real Madrid back in front, 2-1.
“I’m happy because we won after the international break, which is not always easy,” Ancelotti remarked following the match. His satisfaction was evident as he acknowledged the challenges teams often face after international breaks, where players return in varying physical conditions.
With the victory secured, Real Madrid will turn their attention to their upcoming match against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday at 20:00. The Champions League remains a significant focus for the club, and Ancelotti will be keen to maintain the winning momentum as they face a formidable opponent in Dortmund.
Modric’s performance and experience will be invaluable as Real Madrid aims to make a deep run in the prestigious tournament. His ability to control the pace of the game and provide key passes will be crucial against a challenging Dortmund side that boasts a wealth of attacking talent.
As the final whistle blew, the atmosphere at the Bernabéu was electric, with fans celebrating their team’s hard-fought victory. The presence of a legendary figure like Modric only adds to the excitement and optimism surrounding Real Madrid. His contributions on the pitch continue to inspire not just his teammates but also the next generation of footballers.
In conclusion, Luka Modric’s historic appearance as the oldest player for Real Madrid not only underlines his longevity and skill but also highlights his importance to the team. With the La Liga title race heating up and Champions League ambitions in sight, Real Madrid fans have much to look forward to as the season progresses. As the team gears up for their next challenge, Modric’s leadership and experience will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of their campaign.