Luka Modric Strikes Rocket Into Net As Real Madrid Defeats Girona In La Liga

Luka Modric's stunning long-range goal helped Real Madrid secure a 2-0 victory against Girona on Sunday, bringing them level with Barcelona at the top of La Liga. Vinicius Junior sealed the win with a late goal, solidifying Carlo Ancelotti's side's performance at the Santiago Bernabeu. With Barcelona and Atletico Madrid both winning on Saturday, the pressure was on for the champions in the title race. Thibaut Courtois made a crucial save early on to stop Arnau Martinez, but Girona failed to capitalize on the opportunity.

Last year's surprise title contenders were hard for Madrid to break down but far less threatening in attack than at their fluent best.

At the other end Paulo Gazzaniga saved well from Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius let a good attacking opportunity break down instead of looking for his French strike partner.

Another promising Real Madrid counter-attack was cut short when Vinicius tried to square for Mbappe but his pass was cut out.

Girona winger Viktor Tsygankov should have struck for the visitors but blazed a good opportunity over the bar, snatching at his shot.

With the game trickling towards half-time, Modric sent Madrid ahead with a rocket from distance.

The 39-year-old midfielder controlled the ball after a corner was cleared into his path and hammered a superb strike beyond the helpless Gazzaniga.

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Madrid had further chances to extend their lead in the second half, with Vinicius clipping the crossbar with a curling effort from the edge of the box.

Gazzaniga made a fine save to thwart Mbappe after the former Paris Saint-Germain star controlled a dropping ball brilliantly.

Eventually Mbappe fed Vinicius with a perfectly-weighted pass for the second goal, which the Brazilian brushed past the Girona goalkeeper.

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Real Madrid have been engaged in a battle with Spanish officials in the past few weeks but with the exception of one moment where Rodrygo found his path blocked by the referee, they had nothing to complain about on a tranquil afternoon in the Spanish capital.

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(This story has not been edited by staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)