Modric helps Real Madrid move level with Barcelona at the top of La Liga with a resounding 2-0 victory over Girona at the Bernabeu.
Luka Modric’s incredible effort, which involved grabbing onto a clearance, waiting for the ball to drop, and then drilling a lovely half-volley into the top corner, finally broke through the visitors’ resolute defense in the first half.
However, a 1-0 lead was always going to be vulnerable, and there was a feeling of unease going into the closing minutes. However, Kylian Mbappe’s assist brought his total goal contributions to 20 in La Liga, and Vinicius Junior scored his ninth league goal of the season after being played through by Mbappe for an important touch.
Mbappe and Vinicius were a constant threat for a Girona team that was having a bad game. Real Madrid got off to a strong start. This was Michel’s team’s third straight loss in LaLiga.
In the early stages, Mbappe put Paulo Gazzaniga to the test, while Vinicius was quick with counter attacking the Girona defence.
Donny van de Beek, a former Manchester United player, found space in the box but was denied by a superb save by Thibaut Courtois at the other end. The guests had a unique opportunity, but they soon found themselves in a vulnerable position once more.
However, Girona held up well until Modric, who turns 40 in September, showed off his exceptional skill. The unstoppable Croatian hit his shot with terrifying force and accuracy, displaying no signs of aging.
Real Madrid went into the half on a high note after that, and they were vivacious when they returned, with Aurelien Tchouameni hitting a free kick over the bar and Mbappe flashing an attempt that went just wide.
Girona made sporadic attempts to cause some damage during the break, but their final pass was poor, and a Los Blancos team with such deadly attacking speed kept pushing them back.
And with 83 minutes remaining, Mbappe saw Vinicius’ move and slid the Brazilian through thanks to that extra pace, which ultimately proved to be the difference. Real Madrid won because he made no mistakes and coolly dribbled his finish past the goalie.
They are now tied with Barcelona, who defeated Las Palmas 2-0 yesterday, at 54 points. After defeating Valencia 3-0 on Saturday, Atletico Madrid, who will face Real Madrid in a thrilling UEFA Champions League last 16 match is only one point behind in third place.
