MADRID — In an impressive performance, Luka Modric netted a stunning long-range goal during Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Girona on Sunday, bringing the defending champions even on points with Spanish league leaders Barcelona.
In the 41st minute, the seasoned midfielder skillfully chested down the ball before unleashing a right-footed strike that curled into the top corner of the net. “To achieve a goal like that, it’s important to keep attempting shots,” Modric remarked. “I found myself in a good position, managed to control the ball nicely, struck it well, and thankfully it found its way in. It was a great goal, and scoring at home in front of the Bernabeu fans always feels special.”
The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium erupted in applause for Modric, who expressed his gratitude to the supporters, saying, “I’m incredibly grateful and proud of the love the Madrid fans show me every day. They’ve shown it once again today, and all I can say is ‘thank you.’”
Vinícius Júnior secured the second goal for Madrid with an assist from Kylian Mbappé in the 83rd minute, leveling Madrid with Barcelona at 54 points in the standings. However, Barcelona continues to lead due to the head-to-head tiebreaker. Atletico Madrid trails closely, just one point behind the two frontrunners, after their 3-0 triumph over Valencia on Saturday.
This match marked Modric’s ninth start in 25 league appearances this season. The 39-year-old veteran has seen limited minutes as a substitute, but he managed to score his fourth goal of the season with that fine strike at home. Madrid’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, lauded Modric’s contributions, stating, “Modric is a gift for soccer. We are fortunate to have a legend with us.”
Vinícius, who previously had not scored since November, found the back of the net from within the penalty area after receiving a perfect through ball from Mbappé. The latter had a standout performance on Wednesday, scoring a hat trick to propel Madrid to a 3-1 win over Manchester City in the Champions League playoffs.
With an eye on squad rotation after the City match, Ancelotti opted to rest some regular starters, including central defender Antonio Rüdiger and midfielder Federico Valverde, who surprisingly did not play at all this match. Defender David Alaba made his first start in over a year after recovering from a knee injury, while Lucas Vázquez returned after dealing with a left hamstring issue.
Modric had also featured in last weekend’s league draw against Osasuna as Ancelotti adjusted his lineup for the Champions League fixtures. Brahim Díaz was another player who had the opportunity to start on Sunday. Notably, midfielder Jude Bellingham was sidelined due to a two-match suspension stemming from cursing at a referee during the previous match against Osasuna.
Girona, now positioned in 12th place, has faced a tough run, losing seven out of their last eight games across all competitions, including three consecutive league losses.
In a remarkable display, Athletic Bilbao decimated last-place Valladolid with a 7-1 victory at home. Forward Nico Williams contributed by scoring in both halves. The team also saw goals from Mikel Jauregizar, Moruan Sannadi, Oihan Sancet, Gorka Guruzeta, and Iñaki Williams, who is Nico’s brother.
Valladolid, struggling with six straight losses, was reduced to 10 men from the 66th minute after Stanko Juric received a red card. They also had an equalizer disallowed for offside in the first half.
Prior to each match, a banner reading “respect the referee” and “respect soccer” was prominently displayed as players posed for photos. This initiative is part of a campaign following various complaints from clubs regarding refereeing decisions, along with certain threats made by fans against officials.
In other matches, Japan’s Takefusa Kubo scored in the second half to help eighth-placed Real Sociedad secure a comfortable 3-0 victory over Leganes, while Isco netted twice in a 2-1 win for seventh-placed Real Betis at Getafe.
