Real Madrid were struggling to open up Valencia’s deep defence, but if the Madridistas needed a reminder of Luka Modric’s value, the Croatian gave them exactly that with just a few minutes remaining.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men tried everything in the second half, but without reward. Jude Bellingham hit the inside of the post with a penalty won by Kylian Mbappe early in the second half. The English star then tried to help Mbappé, but the Frenchman’s excellent shot was canceled out by a slight offside.
After the expulsion of Vinicius Júnior, it seemed that hopes were fading, but Modric enters (replaces Dani Ceballos). It was another substitute who started the goal, with Brahim Díaz recovering the ball high up, before feeding Bellingham. This time his assist was converted without reservation by Modric, achieving the tie with only five minutes left in the game.
Luka Modric achieves the tie! 🔥
A frenetic second half already leaves Real Madrid level ⚪ pic.twitter.com/TmizzY6VHI
– Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) January 3, 2025
LUKA MODRIC I LOVE YOU pic.twitter.com/PMIzqg6eE7
– WolfRMFC (@WolfRMFC) January 3, 2025