We’re still watching this pass on repeat
In a Champions League tie that had absolutely everything, it was an assist rather than a goal that proved to be the main talking point after a five-goal thriller that saw Real Madrid sneak past Chelsea by one goal on aggregate.
Luka Modrić, 36, pulled off one of the best assists you’ll ever see to level the scoring and take the tie to extra time with just 10 minutes of normal time remaining, with substitute Rodrygo finishing the move with a sublime volley.
It speaks volumes that in spite of the quality of the finish, it was the assist that had everyone talking.
Luka fucking Modrić 🐐 pic.twitter.com/Z35quNeAKq
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) April 12, 2022
In the BT Sport studio, the pundits were just as impressed as the rest of us, with Rio Ferdinand claiming his reaction to the goal made him lose his voice.
Find someone who loves football as much as @rioferdy5, you can't 🤣
His reactions as Modric and Benzema ended Chelsea's Champions League dreams…#UCL pic.twitter.com/L9y8sLXcrE
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 13, 2022
In the post-match analysis, the former Manchester United defender said: “This pass from Luka Modrić is why I lost my voice today.
“That’s illegal, that. I was screaming, Luka, Muka, whatever his name was. Phenomenal.”
Steve McManaman added: “You could watch that Modrić pass all day. Look at that. I mean, look at that. Forget the finish! It was just the pass.
Joe Cole reflected: “Beautiful pass, that’s what quality players can do for you.”
Real Madrid will now face the winner of Manchester City vs Atletico Madrid, the second leg of which takes place at the partially closed Wanda Metropolitano tonight (Wednesday April 13) with City holding a one-goal advantage.
In the other semi-final, Villarreal will face off against the winner of Liverpool vs Benfica. The Reds’ 3-1 advantage from the first leg should be enough to see them through the home fixture with minimal fuss.
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