Luka Modric made history on Saturday by becoming the oldest player in Real Madrid’s history during their 2-1 win over Celta Vigo in La Liga. At 39 years and 40 days, he surpassed Ferenc Puskas’s previous record from 1966 by four days. Modric came on as a substitute in the second half after Celta had equalized.
His influence was immediate, as he set up Vinícius Júnior for the decisive goal in the 66th minute at Balaidos Stadium with a precise through-ball.
“It was a hard-fought game,” said Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti. “But we managed to endure and clinch three crucial points thanks to a brilliant assist from Modric. Luka always contributes something special.”
Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring for the visitors with a long-range effort in the 20th minute, but Celta’s Williot Swedberg equalized shortly after halftime with a goal from Óscar Mingueza’s cross.
Ancelotti’s decision to bring Modric onto the field proved vital as he helped restore the lead for the reigning champions.
Discussing Modric’s legacy, Ancelotti stated, “There isn’t anything more to add about such a fantastic player; he is a tremendous professional with great character. Real Madrid has been fortunate to have him.”
Modric holds the record for the most titles at Real Madrid, boasting a total of 27, which includes six Champions League victories and four La Liga titles.
Despite the win, the match was challenging. Celta Vigo put up a strong fight, with Thibaut Courtois making crucial saves against Swedberg and Jonathan Bamba. Celta substitute Anastasios Douvikas nearly equalized in the dying minutes.
Celta midfielder Fran Beltran expressed mixed feelings, saying, “We leave with a bittersweet feeling. We took the game to Real Madrid and at times were better than them.”
With this victory, Ancelotti’s team remains unbeaten in their first ten La Liga matches, tying with Barcelona before their match against Sevilla on Sunday.
Real Madrid is entering a busy week, with a home match against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday, followed by the first clasico of the season against Barcelona next weekend.
In other matches, Iñaki Williams scored twice as Athletic Bilbao defeated Espanyol 4-1 at home. Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal netted the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Girona, and Real Betis’s Chimy Avila helped his team secure a 2-1 win over Osasuna, his former club.