Luka Modric Becomes Oldest Player for Real Madrid in 2-1 Victory

Luka Modric at 39 years old made history as the oldest player to ever feature for Real Madrid, helping his team secure a 2-1 victory against Celta Vigo in La Liga. Coming on as a second-half substitute, Modric provided the assist for Vinicius Jr.’s decisive goal showcasing his enduring quality and influence in a challenging match. With this win, Real Madrid has leveled on points with Barcelona at the top of Spain’s La Liga.

However, they trail on goal difference and have played one more match. Manager Carlo Ancelotti praised Luka Modric, calling him a “top professional and a great guy,” and expressed his pleasure in coaching such a talented player. “Everything he’s been able to achieve and is achieving, he deserves,” Ancelotti told Real Madrid TV. The match kicked off with Kylian Mbappe putting Real Madrid ahead in the 20th minute.

He scored with a spectacular long-range strike after receiving a pass from Eduardo Camavinga. However, it wasn’t a dominant display from Real as Celta Vigo created several promising opportunities. Williot Swedberg notably missed a clear chance when he fired wide after a one-on-one with Thibaut Courtois. Celta’s persistence paid off just five minutes into the second half when Swedberg scored from Oscar Mingueza’s low cross.

Although Vinicius Jr. initially thought he had restored Real’s lead shortly after, his goal was ruled out for offside. Nonetheless, he successfully found the net ten minutes later, converting Modric’s well-placed pass from midfield. Ancelotti expressed satisfaction with the result, particularly after the international break, stating, “I’m happy because we won after the international break which is not always easy.”

Real Madrid will next face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday at 20:00.