Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti hailed veteran Luka Modric as a “great gift” after leading the team to the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.
Real Madrid have booked their place in the Copa del Rey last 16 after beating Deportiva Minera 5-0 on Monday.
Carlo Ancelotti gave chances to several of his substitutes and youngsters but they still managed to secure a comfortable win with two goals from Arda Guler and the rest from Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Luka Modric.
For Modric, it was his second consecutive goal, having come off the bench to net a crucial equaliser in Valencia’s 2-1 win in La Liga on Friday, and เล่นเกมคาสิโน UFABET ทันสมัย ฝากถอนง่าย his latest goal was his first in the Copa del Rey in his 13th season with the club.
“Modric? He’s a gift for footballers, and especially for those who have the opportunity to watch the game closely.”
“The fans, the players, the coach… for me, he is a great gift,” Ancelotti said of the 39-year-old.
“The way he prepares for this kind of match – as if it was a final. It’s a very important example for our youngsters.
“The atmosphere was really good for the players. They stayed with the fans to sign shirts and that made it a fantastic match.”
Modric’s midfield partner Federico Valverde broke the deadlock at Estadio Municipal Cartagonova with his seventh goal of the campaign in all competitions.
The Uruguay international netted after just four minutes and 46 seconds, making it the fastest goal scored in this season’s Copa del Rey.
“I’m happy to contribute goals to the team, but my task is different: to help in the best possible way, defending and helping out,” Valverde said.
“I’m glad that the coach keeps taking me into account in every game, that he has confidence in me and, even if I’m tired, I’m always happy.”