Modric leads Real Madrid to 4-1 win over Villarreal

MADRID : Luka Modric demonstrated his enduring value to Real Madrid by providing a goal and a brilliant assist in their 4-1 home win over Villarreal in LaLiga on Sunday.

The 38-year-old Croatia midfielder lifted a fine first-touch cross from the edge of the box in the 25th minute to meet Jude Bellingham who leapt to nod in a superb header just out of reach of goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen.

Rodrygo extended Real's lead with a close-range strike from a Modric corner in the 37th minute but Jose Morales pulled a goal back for the visitors in the 54th with a tidy finish after a counter-attack.

Brahim Diaz scored the third goal for the home side in the 64th minute with a fine individual effort and Modric added his goal four minutes later, striking a loose ball inside the box.

Real moved to the top of the standings with 42 points, one ahead of Girona who have a game in hand and host lowly Alaves on Monday.