Carlo Ancelotti hails ‘immortal’ Luka Modric after Celta Vigo win

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti insists Luka Modric is ‘immortal’ after the Croatian played a starring role in his side’s 4-1 victory over Celta Vigo in La Liga.

The midfielder restored Real Madrid’s advantage shortly before the interval in Galicia with a sumptuous curling effort from outside of the penalty area.

And Ancelotti insists that the Croatian’s goal was the turning point in the game as he hailed the 36-year-old’s model professionalism.

“He is immortal. He is always prepared, he always plays very well,” said the Italian. “His goal has changed the game, until then it was an even and competitive game.

“In the second half we improved the start and the transitions were spectacular.”

Karim Benzema slammed home from the penalty spot to open the scoring for Los Blancos, but they were quickly pegged back by an equaliser from Iago Aspas.

Modric then took matters into his own hands four minutes before half-time, with Vinicius Jr. adding a third for Ancelotti’s men after slaloming through the Celta defence. Federico Valverde put the gloss on Real’s display with a fourth goal of the evening.

The reigning La Liga champions have won their opening two games this season after a come-from-behind victory over Almeria last weekend.

However, Ancelotti’s side have been rocked by the departure of Casemiro to Manchester United, with the Brazilian bringing an end to his nine-year association with the club.

The 30-year-old won the Champions League on five separate ocassions with Los Blancos, while he racked up three La Liga titles along the way.