Luka Modric rolled back the years with a spectacular long-range goal. Real Madrid secured a 2-0 victory over Girona at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, moving level on points with Barcelona at the top of La Liga.
Vinicius Junior sealed the win late on, while Carlo Ancelotti’s side delivered a solid, if unspectacular, display to maintain their push for the title.
After a cagey first half, the 39-year-old Croatian midfielder broke the deadlock stunningly. When Girona failed to clear a corner, Modric pounced on the loose ball and unleashed a thunderous strike beyond the helpless Paulo Gazzaniga.
Girona, last season’s surprise title challengers, struggled to create clear chances, with Viktor Tsygankov blazing over when presented with a rare opening.
Real Madrid dominated the second half, and while Vinicius struck the crossbar, Mbappe was denied by Gazzaniga, as the hosts searched for a second goal.
Eventually, Mbappe turned provider, slipping a precise pass to Vinicius, who coolly slotted past the goalkeeper to secure all three points.
With Barcelona and Atletico Madrid winning on Saturday, Madrid needed a response—and they delivered.
Despite recent tensions with Spanish referees, Madrid had little to complain about in this comfortable win, apart from a moment where Rodrygo found his path blocked by the referee.
This result keeps Ancelotti’s men firmly in the title race, setting up an intense battle at the top of La Liga in the coming weeks.
