Modric, Kroos Still Critical To Madrid’s Success, Ancelotti Claims

Toni Kroos of Real Madrid in 2019
Toni Kroos of Real Madrid in 2019. Photo by Shutterstock (10429370bb)

Carlo Ancelotti emphasized the importance of experienced players such as Luka Modric and Toni Kroos to Real Madrid’s success. This comes after Los Blancos defeated Liverpool 1-0 in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash to advance to the quarterfinals on a 6-2 aggregate win.

Having shocked Liverpool in a surprising 5-2 away win at Anfield in the first leg, Karim Benzema’s 78th-minute goal was enough to seal victory in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night. While the likes of rising stars such as Eduardo Camavinga and Vinicius Junior were key to Madrid’s win, Ancelotti stated the importance of veterans such as Modric and Kroos in the lineup.

“The atmosphere is created by the players,” Ancelotti stated. “The humility of the veterans is the key, they have no ego. The youngsters are patient, knowing they have players with fantastic careers ahead of them. But Modric and Kroos don’t play because of the careers they’ve had, they play because they deserve it.”

The current contracts of both Modric and Kroos are set to expire at the end of the season if a new deal isn’t reached.

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