LUKA Modric jumped onto the billboard, waved his arms at the tens of thousands of spectators filling the stadium and joined the roar of the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Real Madrid veteran, who has experienced a reduction in playing time this season, has just become a hero for the Spanish League leaders by scoring the winning goal after coming off the bench in the 1-0 win over Sevilla in Week 26 of La Liga, Monday ( 26/2) early morning.
The Croatian, who is usually calm and cool in all situations, probably shouted more than just joy as he celebrated his second goal of the season.
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Perhaps there was a bit of proof, to show everyone - including Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti - that he can still decide matches even in an increasingly young Madrid squad.
This 38 year old player made a deflection with one touch before releasing a hard kick from outside the penalty box which hit the goalpost before finally scoring a goal in the 81st minute.
Modric had only come on six minutes earlier with the league leaders unable to attack without top scorer Jude Bellingham injured.
This is the third game that Bellingham, the league's top scorer with 16 goals, has missed due to a left ankle injury.
"That's what always happens. We never give up. We have shown it many times, that this is part of Real Madrid's DNA," said Modric about his goal.
"We knew that today it was very important not to let a single point slip away because Barcelona would close the gap and we couldn't let that happen. Our insistence throughout the match paid off," he said enthusiastically.
Madrid fans on social media are also busy echoing messages of love for this veteran midfielder. The essence of the message is that Modric will be retained by extending his contract which ends in June 2024.
"Modric is the king of Madrid. Give him a contract extension," wrote Pukki's account. Another wrote, "I'm not ready, we are all not ready to let Modric go. Perez, extend Modric's contract immediately!" wrote Irina's account, quoted from the Onefootball website.
Modric has helped Madrid to five Champions League titles and the player won the Ballon d'Or award in 2018. This season, with Bellingham replacing him in the starting line-up, he has often been the subject of speculation as to whether his playing time in the white of Madrid it's nearing the end.
"It is very difficult to leave (Modric) on the bench. However, even if he doesn't play, every day he is an example for the whole squad," said Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti.
"It is in Luka's hands to decide what he will do next season, and we are just waiting for his decision. It is difficult to manage (a situation like this) and I really understand what Modric thinks when he is not playing, because I have experienced it as a player," said Ancelotti.
Modric's goal was crucial because Madrid was threatened with a second draw in a row after being held 1-1 at Rayo Vallecano in the last match.
Another defeat would give Barcelona reason to hope that they might be able to mount a challenge after they overtook Girona for second place on Saturday.
Madrid's victory keeps them eight points above Barcelona and nine points above Girona, who will play against Rayo (26/2).
Player Reports
Real Madrid: Lunin 8, Vazquez 7, Nacho 7, Rudiger 7, Mendy 6, Valverde 7, Kroos 6, Tchouameni 6, Diaz 7, Rodrygo 6, Vinicius 7. Subs: Modric 9*, Ceballos 6, Rodriguez N/A .
Sevilla: Nyland 7, Navas 6, Bade 7, Ramos 8, Salas 7, Torres 7, Soumare 6, Sow 6, Ocampos 7, En-Nesyri 6, Romero 6. Subs: Suso 6, Sanchez 6, Veliz 6, Nianzou N/A, Januzaj N/A.