MADRID, Feb 24, (V7N) — Luka Modric rolled back the years with a stunning long-range strike as 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.

The 39-year-old Croatian midfielder controlled the ball on his chest before unleashing a powerful right-footed shot into the top corner in the 41st minute, earning a standing ovation from the Madrid faithful.

“To score a goal like that, you have to keep shooting,” Modric said after the match. “It was a beautiful goal, and scoring at home in front of the fans is always special.”

Madrid sealed the win late in the game when Vinícius Júnior finished from close range in the 83rd minute after a precise assist from Kylian Mbappé. The Brazilian’s goal was his first in La Liga since November.

With the victory, Real Madrid and Barcelona both sit on 54 points, though Barça holds the top spot due to their head-to-head advantage. Atletico Madrid remains just one point behind after their convincing 3-0 win at Valencia.

Ancelotti Rotates Squad, Alaba Returns

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti made several changes following their midweek Champions League triumph over Manchester City. Antonio Rüdiger and Federico Valverde were rested, while David Alaba made his first start in over a year after recovering from a knee injury.

Jude Bellingham was absent, serving the first of a two-match suspension for his outburst at a referee in Madrid’s recent draw against Osasuna.

Girona, sitting 12th in the table, continued their poor form, suffering their seventh defeat in their last eight matches.

Athletic Bilbao Thrash Valladolid 7-1

Elsewhere in La Liga, Athletic Bilbao delivered a dominant performance, crushing bottom-placed Valladolid 7-1 at home. Nico Williams scored twice, while Mikel Jauregizar, Maroan Sannadi, Oihan Sancet, Gorka Guruzeta, and Iñaki Williams also found the net.

 

Valladolid, who played with 10 men for the final 24 minutes after Stanko Juric was sent off, have now lost six consecutive matches.

Real Sociedad 3-0 Leganes: Japan international Takefusa Kubo scored in the second half as Sociedad secured a comfortable home win.

Real Betis 2-1 Getafe: Former Real Madrid star Isco scored twice to lead Betis to victory, keeping them in the hunt for European qualification.

Before kickoff in all La Liga matches this weekend, banners displaying the messages “Respect the Referee” and “Respect Soccer” were prominently shown. The campaign was launched in response to increasing complaints about refereeing decisions and growing hostility from fans towards officials.

Madrid’s next challenge comes in the Champions League as they prepare to host English giants Liverpool in the last-16 stage on March 5.

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