Happy With Modric's Performance, Zidane: He Doesn't Look 35 Years Old On The Field

Luka Modric (center) in a duel with Atalanta midfielder Mario Pasalic (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane was pleased with his team's performance and praised Luka Modric, who continues to show world-class performance at the age of 35.

Real Madrid's 3-1 win over Atalanta on Wednesday night saw them advance to the last eight of the Champions League 4-1 on aggregate.

"I congratulate the players because they played great from start to finish against a very demanding team, physically", said Zidane after the match, quoted by Antara from MARCA.

"We have to defend well, and then with the ball we can say that it was a complete game for us".

Los Blancos are playing without Casemiro due to suspension, but their two experienced midfielders can make up for his absence.

"The two midfielders Luka (Modric) and Toni (Kroos) are phenomenal. Casemiro can score goals and allow us to play differently".

"If you ask me about Luka ... he is a great player. He is 35 years old, but you don't know when you see him playing on the field".

Vinicius JR was having trouble scoring again, but his overall contribution did not go unnoticed by Zidane.

"I'm happy for him because the penalty was won by him, with the speed he has", said the 48-year-old coach.

"We know that he can cause problems in defense. He is very important".