In an outstanding display of skill, 38-year-old Luka Modric led Real Madrid to victory with a 4-1 scoreline. The triumph against Villarreal has propelled Real Madrid to the top of the La Liga points table. However, at the end of the day, there is concern for Real as coach Carlo Ancelotti is uneasy.
In this match, ACL injury has sidelined David Alaba, who has been crucial for Real Madrid in recent months. Within four months, three players of Real Madrid have fallen prey to ACL injuries, including goalkeepers Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin. Ancelotti has expressed concern that seeing three players from the same team suffering ACL injuries in such a short span of time is unprecedented. He also mentioned that due to Alaba’s injury, there may be an urgent need to find a defender during the January transfer window.
In the match at Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid scored four goals through Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, Brahim Diaz, and Modric himself. Modric also assisted in one of the goals. Alaba had to be taken off the field due to the injury after 35 minutes. The Austrian center-back suffered the injury while trying to intercept the ball amid a tussle.
Later, Real Madrid released a statement, saying, “After several examinations, it has been determined that David Alaba has suffered an ACL injury to his left knee. In the coming days, he will undergo surgery.” When asked about Alaba’s condition after the match, Ancelotti said, “I haven’t spoken to him yet. It’s very unfortunate. Losing another player to an ACL injury in four months is unbelievable. But there’s nothing we can do.”
