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2. Isco’s and Modric’s movement saves the day for Real Madrid
Isco Disco! What a player that little Spanish magician is, eh? Once again Zidane asked him to reprise his free-roaming role between the lines – something that ripped apart Atletico in the first leg – and he did it to perfection. Not having the possession they had at home, and under constant pressure in the early stages, Isco’s off-the-ball movement and magnetic control of that round thing when in possession proved pivotal for Real Madrid. Sure he scored a tap -in, but it was well deserved for all the effort he took. He has now scored or assisted 12 goals in his last 14 starts for Real Madrid – if that’s not seizing the chance, I don’t know what is.
His first half numbers help underline his superiority:
- 94% pass accuracy (FT: 87%)- 5 take-ons (FT: 9)- 2 chances created (FT: 1)- 2 shots (FT: 3)- 1 goal (FT: 1)
Assisting him in this endeavour to run Madrid out of pressure (as opposed to, say, the Barcelona way of passing the ball out of danger) was the Croatian genius, Luka Modric.
In that first half, he had 6 take-ons (dribbles) – more than in any match across his Real Madrid career! – and his return to form couldn’t have come at a better time. Unable to pass the ball out due to Atleti’s incessant pressing, Toni Kroos and Casemiro were nullified and hence it was important for Zidane that Modric dusted off his great dribbling ability and showed Isco that he too can do magical things with the ball glued to his feet. Hell, if Ronaldo hadn’t wafted at his shot midway through the second half, he’d have got a goal to show for his efforts.
The two were so good, the most feared defence in Spain barely got near either of them!
