Modric credits Camavinga switch for Real Madrid's display against Manchester City

Luka Modric in action against Manchester City

Modric credits Camavinga switch for Real Madrid's display against Manchester City

Faruq Ibrahim 23:14 - 09.05.2023

Luka Modric explains the tactical tweak that helped them better cope with Manchester City.

Real Madrid midfield maestro Luka Modric analysed the draw against Manchester City, pointing out their tactical adjustments and assuring his team will go into the second leg with confidence to knock out Pep Guardiola's side. 

Los Blancos and City played a 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu to set up a mouth-watering second leg at the Etihad. 

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Vinicius gave the hosts the lead with a stunner in the 36th minute, but Kevin de Bruyne returned the favour with a sensational strike of his own in the 67th minute to restore parity in the stiffly contested encounter. 

What Modric said 

The Croatian Ballon d'Or winner spoke to UEFA after the match, where he revealed key tactical tweaks that helped them during the game.  

Real Madrid were visibly better returning from the break, and the midfielder explained that it was due to freeing up Camavinga tucked into midfield, giving Madrid superiority in the position. 

Modric believes the tie still hangs in the balance but is certain his team will go into the return leg at the Etihad with self-belief.

"At half-time, we had things to correct. The manager wanted us on the ball more and for us to be more creative," he said, per the BBC.

"That's why we freed Eduardo Camavinga to push into midfield more often - it went well. We merited a better result than this.

"But we'll enter the second leg with the same confidence and optimism that we can win over there.

"Neither team comes away from this with a big advantage. The tie is open, about 50-50 - and we were pretty sure that nothing would be settled tonight."

As we earlier reported, Two sensational goals on either side of half-time settled an entertaining 1-1 draw between Real Madrid and Manchester City in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal to set up a winner-takes-all affair in the return leg at the Etihad Stadium.

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