Luka Modric proved impressively that he can still perform at the top level at the age of 39 with the 2-1 win over Celta Vigo. Real Madrid’s midfield playmaker also set a historic club record.
Luka Modric entered the field in Vigo on Saturday evening in the 63rd minute, where the royals had been struggling up to that point. After Kylian Mbappé’s fifth league goal and the subsequent equalizer by the hosts, a spark was needed, which the veteran was quick to provide.’
Just three minutes after coming on, Modric set up Vinicius Junior perfectly with a pinpoint through-ball, allowing him to round Vicente Guaita and make the final decision. The Brazilian naturally thanked the assist provider with a brief dance, and the forward will not forget the away game at Balaidos in a hurry.
Puskas’ record lasted over 58 years
At the age of 39 years and 40 days, the Croatian crowned himself on the northwest coast of Spain as the oldest player to ever play for the Madrilenians in a competitive game. The midfield strategist thus trumped club legend Ferenc Puskas by four days, whose record since his last Real Madrid game on May 8, 1966 in the Copa del Rey against Real Betis had been out of reach for 58 years.
“It’s an honor to coach and work with him,” said coach Carlo Ancelotti at the post-match press conference. ‘Everything’ Modric has achieved, ‘he owes to the fact that he is a great professional and a first-class man,’ the 65-year-old elaborated.
Ancelotti also attributed the victory in Vigo, which was also Modric’s 250th in his LaLiga career, to the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner. “His pass was fantastic. He saved us and always helps us, whether he’s in the starting lineup or not,” said the Italian, praising the “incredible” Modric.
Can Modric break another Real record?
The 39-year-old’s brilliance could be needed again in the coming week, when the Royal Madrid face two formidable opponents. After the Champions League clash with Dortmund on Tuesday (9 p.m. CET), the Clasico against the so far strong league leaders from Barcelona will take place at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.
Modric could break another record in either of these two games, as it is also Puskas who is currently still the oldest goal scorer in Real Madrid’s history. The outside of the foot specialist still has time to break this record too until at least the summer, when his contract in the Spanish capital ends.
