Carlo Ancelotti praised Luka Modric as an “extraordinary professional” after the midfielder celebrated becoming Real Madrid’s oldest-ever player by providing an assist in their 2-1 win at Celta Vigo.
A stunning strike from Kylian Mbappé put Madrid ahead in the first half at Balaidos on Saturday, and Williot Swedberg levelled for Celta.
Modric then came off the bench — breaking Ferenc Puskas’ record as Madrid’s oldest player to feature in a competitive match, at 39 years and 40 days — before playing in Vinícius Júnior for the winning goal three minutes later.
“It’s an honour and a pleasure to coach and work with [Modric],” Ancelotti told Real Madrid TV. “With everything he’s been able to achieve, he’s a fantastic professional and a top man.”
Madrid’s win over Celta puts them level on points with Barcelona at the top of the LaLiga table, ahead of Barça’s game with Sevilla on Sunday.
It also extended their unbeaten run in LaLiga to 42 matches, one game fewer than the record, held by Barcelona, who Madrid will face in next weekend’s Clásico.
“[Modric] always contributes, whether he starts or comes off the bench,” Ancelotti added in his news conference. “He has so much quality that helps us.
“There aren’t many words to add, he’s still fantastic. He’s an extraordinary professional, he works hard, he’s calm, he has character, Real Madrid are lucky to have this player.”
Mbappé and Vinicius both missed games for their countries during the international break due to fitness concerns, but impressed against Celta.
“[They scored] two spectacular goals,” Ancelotti said. “They have that quality, and they made the most of it today. They trained well during the break, and they’ve improved their condition.”