La Liga: Modric Holds Real Madrid's Midfield In 4-1 Win At Celta Vigo

Croatian maestro Luka Modric kept control of Real Madrid's midfield in the departure of veteran Casemiro with a goal in a comfortable 4-1 victory at Celta Vigo on Saturday.

The reigning Spanish champions made it two wins from two as they continued their title defence in winning style and showed no sign of slowing down.

Two consecutive penalties for the two sides were beautifully taken by Karim Benzema and Iago Aspas as both teams were levelled until the 41st minute.

Modric in his forward-moving style left defenders on the grasses and bent one into the top corner of the net to put Carlo Ancelotti's team back in control of the game.

 

Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde added further goals in the second half while Eden Hazard had a late penalty saved as Madrid built on their LaLiga season-opening 2-1 win at Almeria and joined Real Betis and Osasuna on six points at the top of the fledgling standings.

"He is a fantastic leader for us. He scored the most important goal of the game because he put us back ahead and after that, the game was a bit more simple for us," Ancelotti told Onda Cero radio of Modric, who received an ovation from the home crowd in Galicia.

"That is something very special when fans of other teams acknowledge you and applaud you. It's lovely," the Croatian told Real Madrid TV.

Franco Cervi then crashed a shot just wide as Celta threatened to go in front against a Real side playing their first game since agreeing to sell midfielder Casemiro to Manchester United.

It could have been worse for Celta as Madrid won another penalty late on when Benzema was fouled in the box by Hugo Mallo.

Benzema left the spot-kick for Hazard, who had come on as a substitute, but the Belgian's kick was saved by Marchesin.

Showers Of Penalty In La Liga

Elsewhere in La Liga Santander, Osasuna beat Cadiz 2-0 in Pamplona thanks to two more penalties, with Chimy Avila converting the first late in the first half and Kike Garcia slotting in the second late on after Cadiz had Tomas Alarcon sent off.

After Osasuna defeated Sevilla last week they have now won their first two matches of the season in LaLiga for the first time since 1981.

Betis, who won last season's Copa del Rey, host Osasuna next weekend.

Barcelona go to Real Sociedad on Sunday evening, while Atletico Madrid entertain Villarreal.