It was all Luka Modric and Real Madrid Saturday night in Wales as the Spanish champs defeated Juventus 4-1 for their record 12th Champions League title. Modric played the full 90 minutes and beautifully assisted on Ronaldo’s second goal which would put the game away in the second half.
However, it was the other Croatian on the pitch who was the lone hope for Juventus. Seven minutes after Ronaldo opened the scoring in the first half, ‘Super’ Mario Mandzukic tied the game up with a over-the-head kick which fooled everyone on the Madrid defense, including goalie Keylor Navas. The goal would give Juventus much needed momentum, bringing the game to 1-1 at the half.
But it was all Real Madrid in the second half as they torched Juventus for three more goals for the 4-1 win. Modric was on point the entire match; creating numerous chances, assisting Ronaldo and taking a solid left-footed shot on goal.
Real have now won three of the past four Champions League titles finishing their season with an impressive double, as they won La Liga.
Next up: Modric and Mandza will team up for Croatia on June 11th against Iceland.
Mandzukic goal at 3:53
You sound like a real Messi fan
Every goal Messi scores ,the commentators completely go ape shit, pretty much having an orgasm on live TV. It is pretty much impossible to listen to. This makes me sick to my stomach , can’t even watch this shit any more. These hyped up superstars can do nothing all game they score a tap in goal , then they are hailed as some sort of super hero. Every one who knows soccer and watched that game closely know that Marcello, Isco , and Modric , and Carvajal all were outstanding, but of course Ronaldo gets all the credit. On Barcelona , Iniesta is a better player than Messi, but whatever , goals sell man.
When you factor in 4 people and 3 passes that don’t touch the ground it does make it quite incredible but still easier to redo in my mind. Probably less likely to happen exactly like that in a game again but still more doable.
Ever see pro’s recreating famous goals in training?
Pretty sure that Mandza goal could be redone in less attempts than Zizou’s.
@Poglavnik
I can see your argument, as many others have made, regarding the individual skill involved in Zidane’s goal.
However, 4 players, 6 touches, 45 yard pass, one touch pass to Higuain, falling back bicycle/scissors or whatever you want to call it all without the ball touching the ground? That’s insane. Never seen it before.
I strongly disagree.
Left footed volley dropping from that height and into the top corner is much harder.
I’m a pretty big dude, I’ve shielded guys and hooked lazy bicycle kicks over my shoulder like that before.
Much less skill.
Done and seen goals like Mandza’s
Never seen someone hit a volley like that.
Mandzo’s goal > Zidanes as full volleys are overrated.
in your weekly pick-up soccer game, I am sure you have seen a shitty player get lucky and slam a full volley ( happens all the time.)
That same shitty player could never beat a man, clear space, make a turn, and beat a goalie. I think the best goals are all about what the player does before the goal.
That said, Mandzukic’s goal was awesome because most people including guys like Messi could NEVER do it- they simply do not have the height to play the ball over a defender at their back while simultaneously giving the ball a trajectory to come down under the crossbar.
@ Razbijac – I agree with you 100%
@ Poglavnik – I know what you are saying but part me feels that if Messi or Ronaldo scored the same goal Mandza scores people would treat it differently. Just like if Martin Graveson (Danish lunatic I believe for Madrid back in the day) scored that same goal Zidane scored against Leverkusen, it would get less hype. For the average soccer fan, Mandza isn’t always the prettiest to watch and I think people hang on to that too much when making decisions.
Just my two cents.
I think Zizou’s was much harder.
You try hitting a dropping volley from that height with your wrong foot into the top corner.
I’ve hooked balls over my shoulder like Mandza but I’ve never hit a volley that looked that sweet.
Mandzukic’s goal was the best goal scored in a Champions League Final, as it required multiple technical skills to execute. Plus Mario was better defended.
All Zidane had to do was swing through the ball and volley home. Now which goal was more significant…well that’s Zidane’s goal since it was the game winning goal, and Mario’s was not.
*curious
@everyone
Was Mandzukic’s goal the best ever goal in a UCL final?
I think so and I am still reading some news outlets saying Zidane’s was better. Just curios to see what everyone here thinks.
Truth troll get lost chump!
It’s a shame that Kramaric is injured for this game.
I think he’s better than Rakitic right now and it would have been great to see him slotted behind the strikers, with players like Mandzo, Modric, Kalinic and Perisic all around him.
Raketa has been mediocre for us, and Krama has always stepped up for us.
Without question, Perisic is World Class!
He’s got exceptional dribbling, crossing, and shooting abilities. And can score with both feet and his head. He’s got everything a coach could ask for.
Certainly one of the best players in the Left Wing position.
Truth troll still at it
@the truth- you know who else is partying in Ibiza with Kramaric?
yet again the me-first attitudes come out when it comes to the repka
me-first kramaric is ruled ineligible with an injury he managed to play with the whole season and ends up going to party in Ibiza instead
messi-lap dog rakitic also rules himself out with an injury he has dealt with all season. I guarantee you, if Barcelona had an important match he would be match fit
in terms of perisic, he might be the most important Croatian player. the only one who can breakdown a defense. and unlike many, he actually shows up for the repka. he is a fine club player too. not an elite talent. but serviceable that if everything falls right, he could find himself a position at man U, but not good enough to ever fully secure it, meaning he’ll always be looking over his shoulder at the next big transfer coming in
They’re not excited because he’s not some hipster signing who had one stellar season, Perisic is proven.
Our injured team is quite impressive…Rakitic, Vrsaljko, Corluka, Kramaric.
Rakitic out.
Do u guys feel Man U is good place for him to go? I personally think he will rise to the challenge
Lot more games to display his skills
Let’s hope he goes to elite leve
Or maybe Ivanchester United?
@Soul Champ- I haven’t seen an official announcement regarding MU & Perisic.
That said, Manchester Unitic fans are not that thrilled he is on their radar. Hope Perisic can overcome the pressure and show them just how good he can be.
@ Idemo
I am just having fun …
But Mourinho is a beast CL manager.
Perišić is joining a strong team that will have some more impact signings.
Real Modrić all day.
I am looking forward to seeing Perišić skills displayed on a big stage next season.. EPL, CL … World Cup run!
I’d like to see him go beast mode this Sunday as Iceland has nothing for him on what ever flank he chooses to dominate.
His last match for Inter he played free and expressed all his skills.
yeah Real chances of a 3 peat are higher than Man U winning CL
When you are good enough to carry a team by yourself, a team like Real/Barcelna/Bayern swoops in to help you carry them to a UCL title.
Modric will go down as the best player Croatia has had in a nearly 20yr time period. The argument could be made from 98 and earlier suker holds the crown from 98 and earlier. 98 to 2007 nothing to write home about. Then from 2007 till today, and based on the lack of quality coming through the youth ranks, the next 10yrs modric will hold the crown. An incredible list of club achievement for a guy from such humble roots. He was never good enough to carry a team by himself but he was a great midfielder when he had other great players around him.
We’ve been fortunate enough to witness The Legend of Modric!
We can now realistically say that Luka is one of the game’s all time great center midfielders. This is Modric’s Era 2013 and onwards.
@ Soul Champ
I agree someone in Croatia should make a movie about him. And even Hollywood couldn’t have written a better script. Here’s a man who overcame insurmountable odds to become a World Class legend.
Hailing from the most humblest of origins, from a Selo in Dalmatia, then growing up in a war torn town. Plus he had physical limitations to deal with, and was labeled small and weak.
Truly an amazing story when you think about it….Modric is an inspiration to us all!
Truth troll, go share your opinions with your third grade class. We don’t want your trolling here
Those flags draped around sweaty private parts and butts reminds me of the disgrace of when miocic used to fight with the grb right over his crotch
@The Truth:You are lucky that guy who makes “the Truth’s mama” jokes is no longer around. He prob would have said:
Your mama doesn’t think it is disrespectful being draped upside down over a player’s sweaty private parts and butt.
So glad that guy is no longer around for your sake.
Nothing worse than seeing the Croatian flag disrespected by being draped upside down over a players sweat private parts and butt.sramota
Also seeing two cro flags at the celebration…priceless
But there are of course rumors both luka and Mario last games for their respected teams.
Luka prob end up in England but really wouldn’t mind him going to Bayern and beating Madrid in cl next year!!
My fear is Mario gets a bit lost in England but least can get some nice pay there
@ Zee
Hopefully he builds a youth academy in Zadar.
His leadership has grown at Real Madrid.
Zidane will rotate him next season even more with Kovačić.
This will keep Luka fresh for business end of season which will have him fresh for World Cup.
I can see Modrić leading our elite squad to a deep run in Russia.
His genius on the ptich is transcendent …
Brad Friedel “it’s like Luka Modric has eyes in the back of his head?”
Best defense in the world was beaten by the best CM in the world.
Anyone who doesn’t think Kroos is that great needs to watch this second half again. This whole team is pretty awesome. Juve”s midfield got run over in the second half. Dybala subbing was like throwing in the white towel. They wore him out. They must have put his ass down at least a half dozen times.
Laknat is an idiot.
@nk susak. I think you right. Not irrelevant. Rodgers does that too. Never thought of that comparison. I hate Rodgers too by the way. Haha
Might be an irrelevant comment, but as much as I can’t stand the guy in Green Bay, Luka Modric=Aaron Rodgers in the NFL. Ability to take control of a game is immeasurable
Great goal from Mandzukic, but not better than Zidane’s goal against Leverkusen, no where near it!
Get lost truth troll. Screw off jerk!
Modric continues to build his legacy as a legendary club player. As always, he is never good enough to carry a team on his back (hence Croatia s so so performance), but he is good enough to pull strings on a team with great players
Mandzukic continues to fade from his prime. It was a nice goal he made, but a lucky one. I wouldn’t count on it going forward and it will be tough for you to succeed with mandzukic as your lead striker. He disappeared in the second half and did terrible work with an open header that the old mandzukic would’ve buried. Still seems capable of contributing some by being a pest
Overall for the repja, this was a good result. No injuries
Laknat, you need serious help!
Another article about the (once) under-appreciated best player we have ever had:
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2017/6/3/15735510/luka-modric-2017-uefa-champions-league-final-real-madrid-juventus
…and in case you missed this one I’m re-posting:
https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/may/12/luka-modric-real-madrid-barney-ronay
We have so much talent heading into the WC next Summer. I just hope Cacic can help them realize their potential like the last golden generation.
@Soul Champ. You beat me to it about pjaca. I thought that at 2-1. He fast and strong. Too bad. One thing is for sure though when modric one day hangs up his cleats he gonna be one hell of a coach. He just too smart not to be a great coach. Probably not for us cuz we too cheap. Haha
Stupid Cacic should learn so much from this game.
He should know ball position and fast counter would contribute so much in any football game, not just playing defense. Please use your player’s potential skill and look wise to subs some players within a time properly.
Manchester United
Perisic wins it next year?????? Where????
Mario emotionally drained after His goal
@ Croatian film makers
When are you going to make a movie about the life of Luka Modrić ?
From Zadar to the zenith of world soccer.
Navigating the war of Croatian independence on the way to becoming the most successful nogometaš in the history of Croatia.
This dude is a champion of our people.
Real Modrić
Master class.
He looks better than ever.
MANdzukic is a BEAST!!!
Call me crazy … as many here do … but ..
Marko Pjaca would have gave Juve a boost in the second half. Estonia friendly did in Juve !
Higuain – dybala – cuadrado ???
Allegri needs to feature Mandžukić like Bayern used to.
He has 20 goals in him next year.
I hope Pjaca comes back stronger.
Perišić wins it next year ?
Bog i Hrvati
@Razbijac. Ya i thought he was the key to the whole operation for Madrid. Not being a homer but he is the general. I’d say that no matter what nationality he is. Hopefully in 8 days time he can do this again.!
Luka Modric was one of the keys to dismantling Juve in the 2nd half. His passing and possession were unmatched.
@BZ. For sure man. Best central midfielder on the planet. Not even close.
Modric comes alive in the 2nd half. Cro on Cro crime when he stepped in front of Mario then served up a perfect cross for Ronaldo’s 2nd.
I wish the game stayed competitive, but happy to see Modric win it. Class.
https://onsizzle.com/i/the-im-a-millennial-and-i-know-a-lot-about-14938539
could someone give comment about this?!
Mandzukic with the tap in..
wow….did that really just happen
Well done Mario, that was better than Zidane’s signature goal. World Class goal for a World Class player.
It seems decades ago when some of us had to fight tooth & nail to convince others you belong on the NT team. I hope those detractors see the folly of their way now.
I hope juve wins as much as i like modric.
Let’s hope Cardiff doesn’t turn into Chicongo; please no Cro on Cro crime! I hope Modric drifts central, cause whoever plays near Mandzo usually disappears.
Juve have lost their last 4 UCL finals
Martial is extremely streaky puts mind blowing dribbles then takes 4 games off if the sum is true he will be forced to play him
How do we see him fitting in? Rashford will presumably play up high and Martial usually plays wide left.
https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.express.co.uk/sport/football/812214/Manchester-United-Ivan-Perisic-Inter-Milan-Transfer-News-Gossip/amp
https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.express.co.uk/sport/football/812167/Man-Utd-Transfer-News-LIVE-updates-Lukaku-Griezmann-Lindelof-Mourinho/amp
https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/3706473/manchester-united-ivan-perisic-45million-inter-milan/amp/
https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.express.co.uk/sport/football/812167/Man-Utd-Transfer-News-LIVE-updates-Lukaku-Griezmann-Lindelof-Mourinho/amp
Perisic deal is in there. Accepted by Inter.
https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/3706473/manchester-united-ivan-perisic-45million-inter-milan/amp
Man united player.
https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.express.co.uk/sport/football/812214/Manchester-United-Ivan-Perisic-Inter-Milan-Transfer-News-Gossip/amp
Wikipedia had him as a man united player but now it says he plays for Inter still. Interesting?
Mark Bosnich is a Croat, yes, I know, he didn’t play for Croatia, but a Croat none the less.
Yes he would be the first HRVAT to play for united!
Perisic agreed to deal with Manchester United. Can someone confirm that he is the first Croat to play for Man U?
Whoever wins….history will be made!
If juve win, mandzukic becomes the first HRVAT to win the CL with 2 different teams…
If Real win, Modric becomes the first HRVAT to win 3 CL titles.
^^^^ this guy……
I hope that Higuain can lift the trophy and beat Real Madrid in what would be a great ending to this money grubbing tournament known as the UCL.
Italians are a bunch of crying cheats.
For that reason alone, Hala Madrid!!!
I`ve been a Real Madrid fan since the days of Emilio Butragueno so for this game I have mixed emotions…for several reasons. Loving a team and following them for as long as I have is hard to abandon, add in the fact that Modric and Kovacic are part of that team and we have ourselves more reason to pick this side….but throughout my life I`ve always liked the underdog, the lunch box players, the guys that punch above their weight and those types that sacrifice for their teammates. There aren`t many players like this at the elite level, few guys accept smaller roles and demand to leave or expect a bigger pay cheque. We usually appreciate the goal-scorers, play-makers, those that create the incredible pass or cross…and then we have a simple guy…a guy that wasn`t supposed to see the field this year because Higuan showed up and Dybala is just too good to leave on the bench…and yet, he`s been a vital part of his team, a crucial part of their success and his coach could have very easily designated him to the bench…like someone else we know would have done. Max Allegri found a way to utilize all his stars, including Mario Mandzukic and this squad is now competing for the best trophy in team sports!
I think I just want to see a good game and I can live with the result. I keep thinking bad to the crappy experience Mandzo had when he was forced to leave Bayern and the way he had to leave…so for him, I truly hope he can win one more trophy and slap Pep`s face using a white glove!
I’ll just sit back & watch. Can’t lose, unless Mandzukic or Modric misses a pk.
Tge team that relies on Croat power most gets my vote.
I heard Modric might return to the EPL next season. This is Mandzas 3rd Champions League final would be good to see Jucentus finally win one after losing their last two to AC Milan and Barcelona.
Real Modrić v MANventus
The beast that is MANdzukic is pure primal performance at its best.
Luka is the magician that will shift Juve in a different way then they have experience all season.
Pjaca was sacrificed on a BS field in Estonia.
Is Kovačić the X factor off the bench to shift things up?
I am going with Real Modrić and immortality.
@ Svima
Sit back and enjoy the whole world watching our Croatian footballers express their talents.
Spinning our way boys.