A moment of magic from Luka Modric gave Real Madrid a much needed win against Sevilla last night
The Croatian scored the only goal of the match seven minutes after his introduction as a substitute as Real Madrid moved eight points clear at the top of La Liga.
With England midfielder Jude Bellingham absent for Real for a third consecutive game, the contest looked to be heading towards a goalless draw before Modric rolled back the years with a sublime finish
Modric has started in just 11 of his 21 La Liga appearances this season.
The former Ballon d’Or winner is out of contract in June and Real boss Carlo Ancelotti said he would understand if the Croatian was upset about his lack of playing time.
“He shows everyone how hard it is for me to leave him on the bench,” Ancelotti said.
“Not just for the goal he scored, but how he trains. He is an example to the whole squad. It’s very complicated to leave him on the bench.”
Ancelotti said Modric’s contract situation was also “complicated”, adding: “It’s hard to manage. I was once a player and went through it in my last year as a professional player.
“I would understand if Modric was a little bit upset if he is not playing. Everyone thinks he is at the end of his career, but I think he doesn’t agree with that. He looks to be well, fresh. He’s got legs. He doesn’t seem like he is 38.”
Second-placed Barcelona are on 57 points, with Girona a point further back in third. Girona play their game in hand on the top two against Rayo Vallecano on Monday
