Luka Modric starts to justify the Real Madrid's signing

Luka Modric began to justify his move to Real Madrid at Old Trafford. Since coming to Madrid, at the express wish of Mourinho, he was always looked very closely for much of Real Madrid fans due to the 30 million euros (with 5 variables) that cost. Until Tuesday Modric had played 21 league games, 6 in Champions League, 7 in the Spanish Cup cpmpetition and 1 in Super Cup (1958 minutes) and although he has showed some quality details, he had not finished explode in Real Madrid. He seemed upset playing as central midfield or playmaker. "I'm not happy with the performance I am giving", said a month ago. But then came the vital match at Old Trafford.

Luka Modric

He came to the field replacing Arbeloa in the 58th minute (Mourinho made the change after Nani's sent-off) and revolutionized the game by playing a few meters ahead of Xabi Alonso. Modric brought hierarchy, precision passing and creativity. In 32 minutes he left his rivals in 80% of dribbling, did not lose a ball, and 94% of his passes were good (35 of 37). No other player had such a high percentage in this last section. Second in this category was Khedira (57 of 69, 82%).

But above all, what began amortizing these 30 million euros was his goal from the edge of the area, which equalized the tie. A goal of showcase. It was the best of Modric since joining Real Madrid and the Croatian ended euphoric: "It has changed the dynamics of the game and I am very happy about my goal against Manchester United. I could help the team to move to the quarterfinals. I had fun. Though we did not play well in the first half, we scored two in the second and we got the classification. It's always very difficult to play here" said the website of Madrid.

Modric had previously visited Old Trafford with Tottenham on five occasions and the numbers could not be more negative: five defeats. At White Hart Lane he did not know what it was to beat Ferguson's team: a defeat and two draws. Although Tuesday's goal was not his first at the Theatre of Dreams. He scored on April 25, 2009 in the 5-2 defeat of Spurs.

Modric was the center of all the postgame praise. The first, by Jose Mourinho: "For me he has always justified his move. He has as brought the team features we had not. And today he has changed the game." Gareth Bale, his former teammate at Tottenham also praised him: "Modric was key. He was the difference." Van Nistelrooy, the former United and Real Madrid striker, wrote on Twitter: "Modric was crucial, changed the game for Madrid." And Jamie Redknapp published in his column in the Daily Mail: "Modric is the successor of Scholes, the United should sign him." Meanwhile, in Croatia, he starred in the cover of the sports daily Sportske Novosti: "Bright Modric." Meanwhile, 24sata wrote: "Modric was the man of the match. He revolutionized the game scoring the goal that silenced Old Trafford."