LUKA MODRIC produced a midfield masterclass in Real Madrid’s 3-0 triumph over Celtic at Parkhead last night.
The Croatian international was making his 100th appearance in the Champions League.
Modric has won five titles at this level and has represented his nation on 152 occasions.
The technically-gifted engine-room performer will also blow out 37 candles on his birthday cake on Friday.
Matt O’Riley, 21, and Reo Hatate, 24, were making their first appearances at this exalted level among Europe’s A-listers. Between them, they have one full cap, Hatate claiming the solitary honour.
EURO STAR…Luka Modric (10) curls the ball past the helpless Joe Hart to double Real Madrid’s advantage.
ROARING SUCCESS…Luka Modric celebrates his strike.
David Turnbull, 23, replaced the tiring Japanese playmaker in the 72nd minute, but, like his team-mates, he rarely laid a glove on his wily opponent. He has made five Scotland appearances.
Given the difference in pedigree, experience and ringcraft between Modric and his midfield competitors, should anyone be surprised by what we witnessed in the east end of Glasgow last night?
The inventive, thorough and astute Madrid ace waltzed around going through a routine you guess he could do blindfolded as he threaded passes all over the place while still finding the time to knock the second goal past Joe Hart.
As 60,000 supporters looked on, O’Riley, Hatate and Turnbull found great difficulty in pinning down a ghost as he drifted around the playing surface with the effortless ease of someone bestowed with awesome skills and supreme confidence.
Modric has spent the last decade delighting the fans at the Bernabeu and had four years at Spurs before his move to Madrid.
He proved to be a class act off the pitch, too, with his Instagram message: “Special atmosphere. Thank you Celtic Park.”
If you are going to learn the trade and its many requirements, it’s advisable to pay attention to the best.
O’Riley, Hatate and Turnbull will surely benefit from their Modric Experience.
