Luka Modric earned Real Madrid victory at home to Sevilla with a sensational late strike to send his side eight points clear of second-placed Barcelona on Sunday – and manager Carlo Ancelotti says the midfielder’s future at the club “depends on him”.
Croatia midfielder Modric teed himself up beautifully and curled in the only goal of the match from outside the penalty area with nine minutes remaining.
The 38-year-old had entered the action seven minutes earlier as Madrid, who had an earlier goal by Lucas Vazquez disallowed, tried to find a way past their 15th-placed opponents.
“He deserved it,” Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti told La Liga TV, via MadridXtra. “He deserved our celebration. It’s difficult to leave him on the bench. He’s an example for all the players.”
Read our other football news stories here:
PSG ‘must get used’ to playing without Mbappe
Inter striker Martinez chasing goals record
Carabao Cup final match report
Modric contract ‘depends on him’
Modric’s Madrid deal expires at the end of the campaign and Ancelotti said the midfielder is in the “same situation” around his contract as Toni Kroos and Nacho.
“It’s in his hands,” he added. “It depends on him. We will wait for his decision. The club will solve this in the next months.”
????️ “LUKA MODRIĆ, OH YES!”
What a goal from the Croatian to give Real Madrid the lead against Sevilla ???? pic.twitter.com/Xh4lgRhNTc
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) February 25, 2024
Federico Valverde hit the post in the second half before Modric struck his first goal in five league matches.
Ancelotti looked to the sky and pumped his fists after seeing his side return to winning ways following a 1-1 draw at Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
England midfielder Jude Bellingham missed a third consecutive game for Madrid, who drew 1-1 at home to Atletico Madrid on February 4.
Third-placed Girona are nine points behind with a game in hand on the top two.
Madrid are away to ninth-placed Valencia on Saturday and return to Uefa Champions League action at home to RB Leipzig the following Wednesday.
Brahim Diaz’s superb solo goal gave them victory in Germany in the first leg of their round of 16 tie.
