Dazzling Luka Modrić winner keeps AC Milan in Serie A title race

Class is permanent, and so too is Luka Modrić. Now in his 23rd year as a professional the Croatian midfielder is still a mainstay for AC Milan and he made a dramatic late intervention in Friday’s game against Pisa.

Milan went into the game eight points adrift of league leaders Inter Milan, having played one game fewer than their city rivals. A first-half goal from Ruben Loftus-Cheek put the Rossoneri ahead, before Felipe Loyola leveled for Pisa in the second half.

Niclas Füllkrug had already squandered a chance to make it safe for Milan, dragging a second-half penalty wide of the target, and Milan went into the final stages needing a moment of inspiration to swing the game in their favor. It came from the oldest player on the field. With five minutes of normal time remaining a 40-year-old Modrić slid an incisive pass into the feet of Samuele Ricci, before darting onto the return pass and flicking the ball coolly into the back of the net.

Milan saw out the final minutes for a 2-1 win, moving to within five points of Inter at the top of the table. An 11-game unbeaten run has ensured that Milan are still within touching distance and Modrić has been a key player throughout the season, his first since leaving Real Madrid.

Of Milan’s 24 Serie A games this season, Modrić has started 22 and came off the bench in one more. He is still the captain of the Croatian national team and will lead them into this summer’s World Cup, adding to his incredible tally of 194 international caps. Before then, AC Milan are battling for a landmark 20th Serie A title, putting them level with Inter Milan.

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