Modric’s goal draws Madrid level with Barcelona

MADRID, Spain:

Luka Modric scored a beautiful long-range goal in Real Madrid's 2-0 home win against Girona yesterday that moved the defending champions level on points in the Spanish league with leaders Barcelona.

The veteran midfielder chested the ball down in the 41st minute before firing a right-footed shot into the top corner.

"To score a goal like that, you have to keep shooting," Modric said. "I was by myself, controlled the ball, I struck it well and thank God it went in. It was a nice goal and it's always special to score at home in front of the fans at the Bernabeu."

Modric received a huge ovation from the crowd at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

"I'm very grateful and proud of the affection that Madrid fans show me every day," he said. "Today they've done it again and I can only say 'thank you.'"

Vinicius Junior scored Madrid's second goal after an assist from Kylian Mbappe in the 83rd to leave Madrid with the same 54 points as Barcelona, which won 2-0 at Las Palmas on Saturday. Barcelona lead on the head-to-head tiebreaker against Madrid. Atletico Madrid are one point behind the two rivals. Diego Simeone's team won 3-0 at Valencia on Saturday.

Girona, sitting in 12th place, have lost seven of their last eight games in all competitions, including three in a row in the Spanish league.

SEVEN-GOAL ROUT

Forward Nico Williams scored a goal in each half as Athletic Bilbao trounced last-place Valladolid 7-1 at home.

Mikel Jauregizar, Maroan Sannadi, Oihan Sancet, Gorka Guruzeta and Inaki Williams, Nico's brother, also scored for Athletic.

Valladolid, which have lost six in a row, played with 10 men from the 66th after a red card for Stanko Juric. The visitors had what would have been the 1-1 equaliser in the first half disallowed for offside.

Before each match, a banner with the words "respect the referee" and "respect soccer" was displayed as players from both teams posed for photos. The campaign comes after several complaints from clubs against refereeing decisions and some threats by fans against the officials.

- AP