Modrić rolls back years as Real Madrid cruise to win
Against the backdrop of Casemiro’s imminent exit to Manchester United, it was through the Brazilian's replacement that Real Madrid found the opening goal. Aurélien Tchouaméni’s goal-bound strike hit the arm of Celta defender Renato Tapia inside the penalty area, with Karim Benzema inevitably stroking home from 12 yards.
A remarkable three penalties were awarded in this fixture last season, but none of them went the way of the home side Celta. That would change this time around, with the hosts awarded a penalty of their own after Gonçalo Paciência’s header was blocked by the outstretched arm of Éder Militão. Just like Benzema had done at the opposite end, Iago Aspas also converted with ease from 12 yards.
Left out of the starting-11 during last weekend’s narrow victory over Almería, there had been questions hanging over the head of Luka Modrić. Just like he has done so many times before during his career, the 36-year-old silenced the critics in stylish fashion, by caressing home a right-footed strike from 25 yards out, while ensuring Real Madrid entered the break with the lead after a frantic first half.
Looking to retain the La Liga title for the first time since 2008, two goals in 10 second-half minutes secured the three points for Real Madrid. A dazzling solo run from Vini Jr. made it three shortly after the break, before a drilled first-time strike from Federico Valverde ensured all three of the starting Real Madrid attackers got their name on the scoresheet.
It looked as if Real Madrid would end the night as it started by scoring from the spot, but an out-of-sorts Eden Hazard was unable to score his first La Liga goal since May 2021, with the Belgian international’s penalty kick saved by Agustín Marchesín. Nonetheless, a comfortable win for the reigning La Liga and European champions.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Luka Modrić (Real Madrid)