A Luka Modric masterclass gives Real Madrid the win in the absence of Casemiro

Real Madrid showcased their excellent form on Saturday after a thumping 4-1 win over Celta at Balaídos in the second round of La Liga, despite the recent departure of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro to Manchester United.

Club blanco took the lead through Frenchman Karim Benzema's penalty (14'), which was eventually countered by another from Iago Aspas (23'), also from the penalty spot.

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Just when Real Madrid seemed to be suffering, Croatian Luka Modric came up with a splendid right-footed shot that put his team ahead again (42') shortly before the break.

Among Madrid's many virtues, one of the most unsuspected is their incredible ability to play dead. It happened again at Balaídos. A great Celta twice thought they had it in their fist and ended up beaten because no other team as close to victory as Ancelotti's is so close to victory playing between regular and bad. In the end they always find someone to fix it. This time (and so many times) it was Modric who provided the first and second help: he scored a goal in the hard times and gave another to Vinicius in the hard times.

Real Madrid sit atop La Liga

So Real Madrid sit on top of the La Liga standings after the victory on match day two. Led by Luka Modric who basically put the team on his back, Madrid won in imposing fashion against Celta Vigo. Hazard could have rounded off the manita but missed a penalty that had been given to him by Benzema.