Luka Modric Breaks Real Madrid's Record While Helping To Beat Celta Vigo

Luka Modric broke Real Madrid's record as the oldest player to play competitive (Instagram/@lukamodric10).

Luka Modric broke the record as Real Madrid's oldest player to play in a competitive game while helping the team win at home to Celta Vigo on Sunday, October 20, 2024.

Los Blancos' victory opened through a stunning goal for Kylian Mbappe in the 20th minute. Host Celta Vigo equalized through Williot Swiedberg in the 51st minute.

Modric then came off the bench. The performance broke the record of Ferenc Puskas as Madrid's oldest player to appear in a competitive match.

The Croatian player played at the age of 39 years and 40 days. In fact, his record is getting sweeter because Modric provided assists for Vinicius Junior's goal three minutes after entering the field (66').

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti also praised Luka Modric as an extraordinary professional.

"It is an honor and pleasure to train and work with (Modric). With everything he has achieved, he is a fantastic professional and a great man," Ancelotti told Real Madrid TV.

Madrid's victory over Celta made them stick tight to Barcelona at the top of the 2024/2025 La Liga standings.

This victory also extended Los Blancos' unbeaten record in La Liga to 42 games, one game less than Barcelona's record.

"(Modric) always contributes, both when he plays as a starter and as a substitute. He has so many qualities that help us."

"Not many words can be added, he remains fantastic. He is an extraordinary professional, he works hard, calm, has a character, Real Madrid are lucky to have this player," said Ancelotti again.

Meanwhile, Mbappe and Vinicius were both absent from the match for their country during the international break due to fitness issues. However, both of them actually impressed against Celta Vigo.

"(They scored) two spectacular goals. They have that quality. They make the most of it. They train well during the break and their condition improves," said Ancelotti.

Real Madrid will face their rival Barcelona in the El Clasico duel in the 11th week of La Liga this weekend.

Los Blancos will take advantage of the rivalry meeting to equalize points with the Blaugrana.

Currently, Barcelona is at the top of the standings with 27 points, while Real Madrid has 24 points from 10 matches.