"It's a pleasure to coach Modric, to work with him"

Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior's goals earned Real Madrid an entertaining 2-1 win at Celta Vigo on Saturday to pull them level with La Liga leaders Barcelona. In the second half, Javier Manquillo made a brave block to deny Mbappe before Ancelotti sent on veteran midfielder Luka Modric to try and regain control of the match.

The 39-year-old Croatian, who became Real Madrid's oldest-ever player ahead of 1950s and 1960s Hungarian great Ferenc Puskas, made an instant impact.

Less than three minutes after coming on, Modric produced a superb low pass to play in Vinicius, who slid Madrid in front past Vicente Guaita. "It's a pleasure to coach Modric, to work with him, everything he's been able to achieve and is achieving, he deserves - he's a top professional and a great guy," said Ancelotti.

 

October 19, 2024