VIGO, SPAIN — Real Madrid claimed a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Celta Vigo at the Estadio Abanca-Balaídos on Saturday night, on an historic evening that saw midfield maestro Luka Modrić eclipse Ferenc Puskás to become the oldest player in Real Madrid’s 122-year history.
At 39 years and 40 days of age, Modrić entered the pitch in the 63rd minute with the scores deadlocked at 1–1. Just three minutes later, the Croatian icon collected the ball between the lines and threaded a razor-sharp through-ball that sliced Celta’s defense in two, setting up Vinícius Júnior to round goalkeeper Vicente Guaita and roll home the winning goal.
Earlier in the first half, Kylian Mbappé illuminated Balaídos with an astonishing individual goal. Picking up possession outside the penalty area, the French forward launched an unstoppable 25-yard curler into the top corner in the 20th minute—his sixth league goal of the campaign.
Celta had leveled through Williot Swedberg early in the second half, but Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical substitutions restored Real Madrid’s poise.
"It is an absolute honor and privilege to manage Luka Modrić," Ancelotti said after the match. "He is not merely a professional; he is a footballing genius. When he came on, he brought tranquility, vertical vision, and that magical assist for Vinícius. He never loses his quality."
The victory marks Real Madrid’s 42nd consecutive unbeaten match in La Liga, putting them level on points with leaders FC Barcelona ahead of next Sunday’s blockbuster El Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu.