Luka Modric magic sparks Real Madrid triumph over Girona

Manager Carlo Ancelotti heaped praise on his veteran midfielder Modric, whose stunning first-half strike paved the way for a win that drew Real Madrid level on points with Barcelona at the summit of the table.

Ancelotti didn't hold back when reflecting on Modric's impact. "Luka Modric is a gift to football and he can keep going as long as he wants," he said. "What he does, he does brilliantly. Real Madrid have been fortunate to have a legend who has shaped an era, and football have been blessed by his reliability, quality, and professionalism."

Comparing Modric to AC Milan icon Paolo Maldini, Ancelotti added, "Maldini lifted the Champions League at 40, and you can see similarities in what it takes to excel as a footballer. They're incredible examples, genetics play a part, but it's their commitment and attitude that get them to this age and keep them performing."

The match itself was a tale of patience and precision for Real Madrid. "When you're dominating and creating chances, there's always a risk of being caught out if you don't finish it," Ancelotti noted.

"Girona are a good side with quality, and they nearly equalised on a counter after a corner. But the second goal killed it. We could've wrapped it up earlier, but the team played well. Matching Wednesday's intensity was tough with this schedule, yet their attitude carried us through."

Tactically, Ancelotti revealed how Real Madrid adapted throughout the game. "In the first half, Rodrygo was on the left and Brahim on the right," he explained. "After the break, Rodrygo shifted right, Brahim dropped between the lines, and Vinicius Junior stretched the play out wide - he was a real threat. Rodrygo's stronger on the left, but he's just as dangerous on the right."

Vinicius earned special mention too. "He was at his peak," Ancelotti said. "He could've been sharper in front of goal, but in the second half, he was unstoppable. He stepped up when it mattered."

Defensively, David Alaba's return to the starting lineup caught the eye. "After a long injury, he looked comfortable and composed," Ancelotti remarked. "He's not at his peak yet, but he's getting there. Playing every three days might be a risk, but one game a week suits him fine. It let Rudiger and Valverde rest, and our defensive shortages are easing."

The game unfolded with early intent from both sides. Girona tested Thibaut Courtois in the fifth minute through Arnau Martinez, only for Kylian Mbappe to force a save from Paulo Gazzaniga moments later.

Vinicius headed over from a slick move, and despite a spirited Girona rear-guard led by Daley Blind and Ladislav Krejci, Modric's moment of brilliance arrived before half-time. Controlling a clearance with his chest, the 39-year-old unleashed a rocket into the top corner - a strike that silenced the Girona faithful.

The second half saw Real Madrid push for the killer blow. Gazzaniga thwarted Mbappe again, and Krejci denied Rodrygo, but Vinicius sealed the deal in the 83rd minute. Linking with Mbappe, he slotted home to end Los Blancos' three-game winless streak in La Liga and hand Girona their seventh loss in eight matches across all competitions.

The result marked Real Madrid's fourth straight head-to-head win over Girona without conceding, underlining their dominance.

Post-match, a quick scan of X revealed Modric earning widespread acclaim. One fan posted, "Luka Modric at 39 is still outclassing everyone - pure genius," while Real Madrid's official account shared a clip of his goal captioned, "Timeless."

Ancelotti's men now sit level with Barcelona, separated only by their head-to-head record, as the title race heats up.

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