Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti hails matchwinner Luka Modric

Modric's brilliant finish from the edge of the box in the 81st-minute separated the two sides. The 38-year-old Ballon d'Or winner is still an integral part of the first eleven and has made 29 appearances in all competitions this season making six assists and scoring twice.

Ancelotti spoke in the press room following the win : "We celebrated the goal with Luka because he deserved it and he scored a great goal that earned us another three points. He's scored and shown that it's very difficult to leave him on the bench. Not just because of today's goal but because of the way he trains every day, he's an example for the rest of the squad.

"What he decides to do in the future is in his own hands and we just have to wait for his decision. I understand what he may think when he's not playing. Everyone thinks it's the end of his career, but he isn't showing it. He doesn't look like a 39-year-old player. The only objective fact is his age. Out of the respect I have for him, I can't give him advice. He's very intelligent, serious and professional. 

"He knows what he has to do. The quality of the minutes is more important than the quantity. Modrić, Kroos and Nacho are in the same situation at the end of the season. There's time to sort it out over the next few months."

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