Luka Modrić scored a cracker to help Real Madrid qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals after beating Manchester United 2-1 at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening.
With the tie finely balanced at 1-1 following the first leg in Spain, United struck first through an own-goal by Sergio Ramos early in the second half.
But the game turned on its head after Nani was sent off in the 56th minute for his clumsy, but not malicious, high challenge on Álvaro Arbeloa.
From that point forward, the visitors were in firm control of their destiny, and luck was definitely on their side.
Modrić replaced Arbeloa moments later and began the comeback with a moment of genius in the 66th minute.
After picking the ball up 30 yards from goal, the Croatian breezed past Tom Cleverley before firing in a thunderous effort that eluded the left hand of diving goalkeeper David de Gea and went in off a post.
It was just the second goal for Modrić since his move from Tottenham Hotspur last summer.
Three minutes later, former United favourite Cristiano Ronaldo begrudgingly fired in the nail of the coffin and sealed the fate of his former club when he converted a cross from Gonzalo Higuaín at the far post.
"The goal changed the flow of the match and I am very happy to help the team get through to the quarter-finals. I enjoyed it," Modrić told a press conference.
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| Real Madrid player Luka Modrić scores his side's equaliser against Manchester United Photo: Getty Images |
With the tie finely balanced at 1-1 following the first leg in Spain, United struck first through an own-goal by Sergio Ramos early in the second half.
But the game turned on its head after Nani was sent off in the 56th minute for his clumsy, but not malicious, high challenge on Álvaro Arbeloa.
From that point forward, the visitors were in firm control of their destiny, and luck was definitely on their side.
Modrić replaced Arbeloa moments later and began the comeback with a moment of genius in the 66th minute.
After picking the ball up 30 yards from goal, the Croatian breezed past Tom Cleverley before firing in a thunderous effort that eluded the left hand of diving goalkeeper David de Gea and went in off a post.
It was just the second goal for Modrić since his move from Tottenham Hotspur last summer.
Three minutes later, former United favourite Cristiano Ronaldo begrudgingly fired in the nail of the coffin and sealed the fate of his former club when he converted a cross from Gonzalo Higuaín at the far post.
"The goal changed the flow of the match and I am very happy to help the team get through to the quarter-finals. I enjoyed it," Modrić told a press conference.
