'Angelic': Fans in raptures over Luka Modric's moment of 'sheer class'
The football world has expressed its awe at Luka Modric's moment of 'sheer class' to help Real Madrid open the scoring against Atalanta.
Madrid were leading 1-0 heading into the second-leg tie against the Italian outfit, but were weary of Atalanta's prowess in front of goal.
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But after enduring a fast-paced opening 15 minutes, Modric provided a moment of 'sheer class' after a keeper gaffe to hand Madrid the lead.
Atalanta keeper Marco Sportiello attempted to clear the ball, but hit it low.
But the Croatian midfield maestro produced a sensational touch after lifting his leg on an awkward angle to control the ball.
He then surged forward to bring out the keeper and the defender before squaring it to Benzema to slit it home.
The commentator described Modric's control as 'sheer class' in the lead up to the goal.
Fans were also full of superlatives for the 35-year-old maestro after his masterful performance alongside midfielder Toni Kroos.
Amazing assist from Modric. And goal from Benzema⚽️ Real Madrid 1-0 Atalanta pic.twitter.com/bQoVqiHzHl
— On this day in sports-Follow (@editiaEB) March 16, 2021
Modric economy of touches there - perfect control of difficult ball, then drives into space, the perfect timing and pace on pass to give Benzema the finish.
— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) March 16, 2021
Modrić just swanning about like he owns the place
Because he does
Masterclass— Sam Tighe - Ranks FC Podcast (@stighefootball) March 16, 2021
1-0 Madrid! Brilliant by Modric who controls poor clearance by keeper, and then sets up Benzema for simple finish.
— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) March 16, 2021
Modric and Benzema never going to turn down a gift like that. #ChampionsLeague
— Kay Murray (@KayLMurray) March 16, 2021
Modric and Benzema together are an absolute joy to watch.
— Fraz (@wfraz98) March 16, 2021
16 Champions League in one pic.
Football heritage. pic.twitter.com/9YTEBJudpk— 𝐸𝓁𝑒 (@ModricEle) March 16, 2021
Luka Modric made 12 ball recoveries in the first half against Atalanta.
Twice as many as any other player on the pitch.🇭🇷@Squawka pic.twitter.com/6xlhFalSRa— Madrid Xtra. (@MadridXtra) March 16, 2021
i fall in love with luka modric every single day. what a player omg 👏
— Kris 😘 (@xtinap1) March 16, 2021
Modric is angelic. What a beautiful man
— Muddassir Hussain (@muddassirjourno) March 16, 2021
Benzema reaches Champions League milestone
With Real Madrid's first goal, Benzema became just the fifth player to reach 70 Champions League goals.
The French talisman sits behind Cristiano Ronaldo (134), Lionel Messi (119), Robert Lewandowski (72) and Raul (71).
Karim Benzema becomes the fifth player in history to score 70 Champions League goals.
Underrated. pic.twitter.com/sa1Pk6Meci— Goal (@goal) March 16, 2021
Madrid captain Sergio Ramos' 15th Champions League goal also took him past legends such as Ronaldo Nazario and Zinedine Zidane.
Only fellow Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos has more goals than Ramos in the Champions League as a defender.
🔝 Defenders with most goals in Champions League history:
⚽️1⃣6⃣ Roberto Carlos
⚽️1⃣5⃣ Sergio Ramos
⚽️1⃣5⃣ Gerard Piqué
⚽️1⃣5⃣ Iván Helguera
⚽️1⃣2⃣ Dani Alves#UCL pic.twitter.com/8s3iZv8EvR— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 16, 2021
Real Madrid won 3-1 in the leg (4-1 in the tie) to reach the quarter-final of the Champions League.
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