Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid’s coach, praised Croatian midfielder Luka Modric after yet another stellar performance in Balaídos, where he was decisive with a sensational pass to Brazilian Vinícius Jr. in the play that secured the 1-2 victory.  

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“We could have played better, but the team was committed. We earned three important points thanks to a fantastic pass from Modric. Luka always delivers. He always helps us. He came in at a crucial moment and changed the game’s flow,” Ancelotti said at the post-match press conference.  

The Croatian international became the oldest player to wear Real Madrid’s jersey tonight, at 39 years old, surpassing the previous record held by Ferenc Puskás, who set the mark at 39 years and 36 days on May 8, 1966, during a Copa del Generalísimo match against Betis.  

“He is a fantastic player, an extraordinary professional, a very calm man with great character. Real Madrid is lucky to have a player like him,” the coach emphasized, while admitting that his team lacked “balance” in the first half.  

Ancelotti also explained Jude Bellingham’s positioning on the field, stating that his intention was “to attack more from the second line, as Celta had struggled with second-post deliveries in previous matches.”