Luka Modric's heavenly first touch for Real Madrid was enough to prove the existence of God

As Real Madrid and Manchester City faced off in a high-quality 1-1 draw in the Champions League semi-final first leg on Tuesday, the best quality moment came from Luka Modric, always green.

You know, the kind of time when the only appropriate reaction is a puffing of the cheeks, a nod of the head and an exclamation of disbelief.

Thinking back to the 2006 World Cup, when the world seemed brighter and more optimistic, you'll be forgiven for forgetting a young midfielder making two substitute appearances as his country knocked out in the first round.

If you clicked on this piece and made it this far, we won't insult your intelligence by pointing out exactly who it was. More surprisingly, Modric is still churning out some soul-warming talent nearly 17 years after he was introduced to a global audience.

Despite the presence of Aurelian Tchouameni, and the imminent arrival of Jude Bellingham, the Croatian's inclusion in the starting XI to face City was inevitable.

Dictating the room, like a wizened conductor helping to extract one more tune from his orchestra, Modric spent an increasingly humid 90 minutes probing City's accomplished midfield.

But, as Kevin de Bruyne scored a brilliant equalizer and Ilkay Gundogan rallied his troops with all the nervous energy of a Somme NCO, it was Modric whose aura shone above of all the others.

And no wonder; with the game deep in the second half, the 37-year-old pulled out a limb and killed an errant pass. We are almost surprised that the two groups of players did not temporarily interrupt the proceedings to applaud the sorcery they had just witnessed.

As the encounter went on, Modric continued to look like football's Benjamin Button as he slid down the pitch.

His contract with Madrid technically expires at the end of the current season. If anyone can offer a bargain and act fast, there is an elite all-round midfielder available for less than a penny.

But, in all likelihood, he'll probably sign a one-year extension at the Bernabeu, just like he did last year. With Madrid building the sort of midfield that makes you doubt the point of trying to compete with them, it's comforting to know that Modric retains enough kudos to stay on merit.

"We want to play a full game, to give our best," said Carlo Ancelotti before the match, confirming that Modric would start.

"The decisive step will be there. We want to leave with an advantage. We want to play well. It's not just about the result, but about how we play and if we avoid problems. will be very demanding.”

Ancelotti was as wise as ever; the match schedule suggests City will be marginal favorites when the two behemoths meet in Manchester next Wednesday.

But, with Modric in the kind of divine form that truly takes your breath away and confirms the existence of God, Madrid will imagine their chances of another European crown.

By Michael Lee

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