Hard to argue against a beauty like this one, isn’t it?
Still, Luca Modric did a lot more than just score the game-tying goal. His mere presence on the field completely shifted the momentum—and eventually the game—Madrid’s way.
Mourinho is no fool. As soon as he saw Nani sent off, he called up the Croatian. The reasoning is simple: without Nani, Manchester United had one less channel to make their offense flow.
Without the channel, los Blancos would hold on to the ball in the attacking third more often.
If they are going to hold the ball more often, they need someone who can make it move. Modric was the obvious choice.
He contributed with the great shot for the goal, yes, but who whips the ball into the area for Gonzalo Higuain, who would eventually set up Ronaldo for the game-winning goal?
You guessed it: Luka Modric.