Luka Modric struck a magnificent long-range goal to help Real Madrid beat Girona 2-0 on Sunday, bringing them back level with Barcelona at the top of La Liga. Vinicius Junior sealed the win late on as Carlo Ancelotti’s men put in a good performance at the Santiago Bernabeu.
After rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, who are now third, triumphed on Saturday, the emphasis was on the champions in the incredibly tight title battle. Madrid had not won in the previous three league games, but asserted their strength by hammering Man City in the Champions League in midweek.
“It’s a very important win; we need to stay in the fight,” Modric told Real Madrid television.
“We can’t let our level slip and consider ourselves satisfied, we can still grow as a team.”
The Croatian’s goal was the highlight of the game.
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“I was by myself, I controlled the ball, I hit it well and it went in,” he explained.
“I don’t know if it’s one of the most spectacular I’ve scored, it was really nice, it’s always special to score at the Bernabeu.”
Madrid were missing suspended England international Jude Bellingham, who received a red card last weekend.
Girona, last year’s surprise championship candidates, were difficult for Madrid to break down but far less dangerous in attack than when they were at their best.
Girona winger Viktor Tsygankov should have scored for the visitors, but he fired a wonderful chance over the bar, grasping at it.
As the game approached halftime, Modric fired a long-range shot that put Madrid ahead.
The 39-year-old midfielder controlled the ball after a corner was cleared into his path and fired a stunning shot beyond the hapless Gazzaniga.
“Modric is a gift for football, and he should continue for as long as he wants,” Ancelotti told reporters.
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