Thriving Modric helps Madrid get over Casemiro’s departure

MADRID: Luka Modric is making it easier for Real Madrid fans to start getting over Casemiro’s departure. A day after the Brazil midfielder announced he was ending his successful decade-long stint with Madrid to join Manchester United, his former teammate scored a beautiful goal and set up another to help the defending champion beat Celta Vigo 4-1 on Saturday for its second consecutive win to start the Spanish league. Modric’s performance was worthy of applause even by Celta fans when the veteran was substituted in the second half.

“It is always nice,” Modric said. “It makes me happy to be recognized by other fans.” Karim Benzema, Vinícius Júnior and Federico Valverde also scored as Madrid comfortably followed up its come-from-behind win at promoted Almería in the opener. It was Madrid’s first game since losing Casemiro, the trusted holding midfielder who had been one of the defensive anchors of the Spanish powerhouse.

“We made history together here,” Modric said. “He was a fundamental piece for us and we will miss him a lot, both as a player and as a person. We are sad that he left but it’s part of soccer.

We have to move on without him and each one of us has to give something extra to make up for his absence.” Without the Brazilian, Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti set up the midfield with Eduardo Camavinga, newly signed Aurélien Tchouaméni and Modric, who had not started against Almería. The 36-year-old Modric took over the midfield on Saturday, controlling the pace both defensively and offensively. He scored his goal with a well-placed curling shot into the top corner after a nifty move to get past a defender at the top of the area in the 41st minute at Balaídos Stadium.