Lautaro Martinez was the hero as Inter edged out Roma 1-0 at Stadio Olimpico.

The Nerazzurri skipper struck the only goal on the hour mark, helping his side move back to within two points of Serie A leaders Napoli in second place.

Simone Inzaghi's side suffered two injury setbacks during the first half, with both Hakan Calhanoglu and Francesco Acerbi forced off early on.

Nevertheless, the visitors went closest to breaking the deadlock, as Henrikh Mkhitaryan rattled the crossbar on 14 minutes.

But they were not to be denied after the break when Zeki Celik failed to deal with Davide Frattesi's cross, and Lautaro fired into the top corner.

Roma went in search of the equaliser inside the final half an hour, but could not find a way through the stubborn Inter defence, who held out for all three points.

Data Debrief: Landmark Lautaro goal ends Giallorossi streak

Lautaro was Inter's matchwinner once more, and it was a landmark goal for the Argentina forward.

With his 133rd strike for the club, he is now officially the Nerazzurri's joint-leading non-Italian scorer, after moving level with Hungarian Stefano Nyers.

He also continued Inter's record of having scored in all eight of their Serie A matches this season, making them the only side to do so in the Italian top flight.

As for Roma, their run of scoring in 24 successive home Serie A games comes to an end, with the Giallorossi remaining in 10th place after missing the chance to close the gap on the top four.

Robert Lewandowski and substitute Pablo Torre each scored twice to help leaders Barcelona thrash visitors Sevilla 5-1 in LaLiga on Sunday.

Barca were dominant throughout the encounter at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys and effectively killed off the game with three goals in 15 first-half minutes.

A Lewandowski penalty got the scoring started after Raphinha was fouled from behind in the 24th minute before Pedri fired a bullet strike into the top corner from the edge of the box to double their lead four minutes later.

Lewandowski then got his second from close range in the 39th minute, sticking out a leg to divert Raphinha's low shot past Orjan Nyland.

Raphinha thought he had added a fourth just after half-time, only to be denied by the offside flag, as was Dodi Lukebakio at the other end in the 72nd minute.

Torre climbed off the bench to score the fourth with a shot from inside the box 10 minutes later and, moments after Stanis Idumbo netted a consolation for Sevilla in the 87th, he wrapped up the scoring with a superb free-kick into the far corner.

Barcelona sit top of the LaLiga standings on 27 points, three ahead of Real Madrid in second, and seven clear of Atletico Madrid in third. Sevilla are 13th on 12 points.

Data Debrief: Flick's men firing on all cylinders

Flick has certainly settled into life at Barcelona quickly, and the Catalan giants picked up where they left off before the international break with another high-scoring game, meaning they have scored 13 goals in their last three games.

In fact, Barcelona have netted 31 LaLiga goals in 2024-25 so far, their best scoring start after their first 10 games of a season in the competition since 2012-13 (32).

And Lewandowski has certainly played his part, becoming the first player to score 12 goals after his first 10 games of a season since Lionel Messi in 2019-20 (also 12).

As has Lamine Yamal, who had been an injury doubt before the game. He is the first Barcelona player to provide six assists at this stage of a LaLiga season since Messi in 2014-15 (seven). 

Andy Robertson believes Liverpool "put things right" after their defeat to Nottingham Forest by beating Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.

Liverpool faced Forest after the last international break and suffered their only defeat under Arne Slot so far, as they were beaten 1-0 at Anfield.

However, they avoided a similar stumble this time around as Mohamed Salah and Curtis Jones scored the goals for the Reds on either side of Nicolas Jackson's equaliser, sending them back to the top of the league table.

Chelsea had won each of their last three away games coming into this contest, and Robertson was particularly impressed by how Liverpool dug in to preserve the win.

"It is always like that - two good teams going at it. We have had good games over the years against them. It is always difficult," he told BBC Match of the Day.

"It took us a little time to get going, but once we did, I think we were quite comfortable in the first half. In the second, we defended really well and limited them.

"After the last international break, we let ourselves down against Nottingham Forest, and we were determined to put that right and I think we did that.

"There are different ways to win, and today was one we had to grind out. We have played better this season, but we got two crucial goals and defended well for the most part."

Meanwhile, Jones was instrumental to the victory as he won the penalty that Salah scored and thought he had won a second after being upended by Robert Sanchez, but it was overturned by a VAR review, before netting what turned out to be the winner in the 51st minute.

"The win is the most important thing. I was involved a lot, but I'm happy that we won," he told Sky Sports.

"There have been times when I have arrived in the box, and it is a first-time finish. As soon as Mo had the ball, I made the run, but it bounced, so I had to have a touch, and then thankfully it went in."

He also played a key role by keeping Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer quiet throughout the game, limiting him to no shots on target, and just one chance created.

"We know how important [Palmer] is and how many goals he scores, so I had it in my mind to keep him quiet, and it is a huge part of their game gone," he added.

Johanna Rytting Kaneryd scored twice as Chelsea overcame Tottenham 5-2 at Kingsmeadow to make it four wins from four in the Women's Super League.

Maika Hamano and Sandy Baltimore were also on target for Sonia Bompastor's side, who maintained their perfect start to the league season and moved to within a point of leaders Manchester City.

Rytting Kaneryd was involved as the Blues broke through in the 10th minute, racing into the area before pulling the ball back for Hamano to tuck away.

Spurs levelled in controversial fashion 11 minutes later when Hannah Hampton was adjudged to have palmed the ball over her own goal-line while attempting to retrieve Amanda Nilden's wayward cross.

The hosts regained the lead when Nilden put through her own net just before half-time, while Rytting Kaneryd's magnificent volley put them two goals to the good in the 70th minute.

Baltimore made it 4-1 four minutes later, slotting home a rebound after Guro Reiten's penalty came back off the post following a Clare Hunt handball.

Spurs pulled one back through Eveliina Summanen's neat free-kick, but Rytting Kaneryd had the final say with a wonderful individual goal in stoppage time, putting the icing on the cake.

Data Debrief: Bompastor continues perfect start

Bompastor appears to have made a seamless transition into the Chelsea dugout since taking over the reins from Emma Hayes.

The Frenchwoman has become only the third manager to win her first four WSL matches in charge, along with David Parker (with Birmingham City in 2011) and Jonas Eidevall (in 2021 with Arsenal).

Tottenham, meanwhile, are without a win since the opening day of the season and have now conceded a league-high three penalties in five games.

Tim Walter says referee Robert Madley apologised to him following Hull City's defeat by Sunderland.

The Black Cats returned to the Championship summit, with Wilson Isidor's third goal in four games enough to seal all three points at the MKM Stadium.

The winning goal came in the 63rd minute, though Hull felt it should not have stood.

From a Tigers corner, referee Madley appeared to obstruct the view of Marvin Mehlem, who was subsequently dispossessed before Dan Neil sent Isidor clear, with the Zenit loanee outmuscling Cody Drameh before lifting over Hull goalkeeper Ivor Pandur.

Walter later confirmed he had received an apology from the official for the incident, but acknowledged his side were ultimately made to pay for not taking their chances.

"The referee invited me in [to the official's room] to apologise, but it doesn't help me," he told BBC Radio Humberside. "But we had a lot of situations in the first half and a lot of counter situations, but our last decision wasn't the best.

"We created many chances, but we weren't clinical enough and, maybe, lost our heads in the last five minutes. We had more courage in the second half, and we showed we can maybe be on the same page as them."

As for Sunderland, who leapfrogged Burnley back to the top of the table, that is now seven wins from their opening 10 games.

"It's difficult to win away, especially at Hull," said head coach Regis le Bris. "In the first half, we dominated the ball but failed to break into the final third.

"The scenario in the second half was different. They kept the ball, and it was not easy to deal with the way they built up their attacks, and we did well.

"We were prepared to use our counter-attacks as we had that strength, and Wilson made the difference."

Arne Slot was pleased with the fight that Liverpool showed, as they passed their toughest test yet under his leadership with a 2-1 victory over Chelsea.

Mohamed Salah put the Reds ahead from the penalty spot after Curtis Jones was felled by Levi Colwill just before the half-hour mark.

The 23-year-old then scored the winner, restoring Liverpool's lead shortly after Nicolas Jackson had restored parity, and his goal ensured they went back to the top of the table.

Slot's electric start to life on Merseyside continued, and Liverpool have won 10 of their 11 games across all competitions this season – only losing to Nottingham Forest – their most victories after that many matches in a campaign since 1990-91 under Kenny Daglish (also 10).

While Chelsea edged the game in terms of possession (57.3%) and chances (12 to Liverpool's eight), the hosts dug deep to ensure they prevailed with all three points.

And Slot was delighted with the work rate his team showed in what he thought was a difficult contest.

"Many other games were hard, but this might have been the hardest, maybe because of the amount of quality players they have and the structure they have. We had to fight really hard to get this one over the line," he told BBC Match of the Day.

"We defended so strongly, throughout the whole team. There was incredible work rate. The game became difficult for us because there were a few decisions, in my opinion, that didn't go for us.

"The most crucial was when we thought we had the penalty before half-time. To go 2-0 [up] before half-time would make a massive difference from 1-0. Then, we conceded, but we stepped up again and scored the second.

"The better the teams you face, the more you need it [fight]. In the Premier League, there are so many good teams. If you want to win, at least you need to fight and then, hopefully, the individuals can make the difference.

"It helps if you play against a Chelsea, it is a big game, and everyone feels it. We felt it and the fans felt it because they were there for us today. We showed up, that was the most important thing."

Jones orchestrated most of Liverpool's best play, winning the first penalty, and he was fouled for what the hosts thought was a second before the break, only for it to be overturned by VAR.

The youngster struck his first Premier League goal since New Year's Day against Newcastle United, and got both of his shots on target, and Slot was impressed by his performance.

"Very good, the whole team worked very, very hard," Slot told Sky Sports. "He had a difficult job controlling Cole Palmer, which is not easy as he has quality. And he added some important moments, too - involved in two penalty decisions and scoring a goal."

Arsenal left it late but secured a 2-0 victory over West Ham in their first Women's Super League match since Jonas Eidevall resigned.

Interim boss Renee Slegers made it two wins from two in charge thanks to goals from Mariona Caldentey and Rosa Kafaji, despite the Gunners underwhelming for large parts of the game.

They eventually found a breakthrough with 20 minutes to play as Amber Tysiak brought down Stina Blackstenius in the box.

Caldentey neatly tucked away the spot-kick before Blackstenius created their second in the 89th minute as she picked out Kafaji, who finished first-time.

Slegers' first three points sees Arsenal go back to fifth, but West Ham are one of three teams still yet to win in the WSL so far this season as they prop up the table.

Elsewhere, Crystal Palace nearly pulled off another big shock but were instead held to a 1-1 draw by Liverpool.

The Eagles impressed at St Helen's Stadium as former Reds striker Katie Stengel opened the scoring after 14 minutes, prodding home from close range.

Cornelia Kapocs pulled the hosts level shortly before half-time, but they had to settle for a share of the points as both sides missed big chances for a winner in the second half.

Leicester City, meanwhile, claimed their first win of the season, edging past struggling Everton 1-0 thanks to Nicole Momiki's superb solo strike after just eight minutes.

It is the first victory for Amandine Miquel since joining the Foxes, while Everton sit 11th in the table, still searching for their first three points of the campaign. 

Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League table as Curtis Jones hit the winner in an entertaining 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Anfield.

Having been knocked off the summit by Manchester City's last-gasp victory at Wolves earlier on Sunday, Liverpool responded by passing arguably their sternest test under Arne Slot.

Mohamed Salah's 29th-minute penalty broke the deadlock after Levi Colwill fouled Jones, just moments after the defender had survived an appeal for felling the the Egyptian.

Jones thought he had won a second penalty on the stroke of half-time following a challenge from Robert Sanchez, but a VAR review led referee John Brooks to overturn his initial decision to penalise the goalkeeper. 

Another VAR intervention went Chelsea's way as they levelled three minutes into the second half. Nicolas Jackson was ruled offside when latching onto Moises Caicedo's throughball to slot home, but that decision was overturned as replays showed Ibrahima Konate played him on. 

However, it was the impressive duo of Salah and Jones that combined for the decisive goal soon afterwards, the latter scoring on the stretch in front of the Kop.

The victory re-establishes Liverpool's one-point lead over City, while they are four clear of their next opponents Arsenal. Chelsea stay sixth, three points off the top four. 

Data Debrief: Salah haunts Chelsea again

It is fair to say Salah has enjoyed coming up against Chelsea since returning to the Premier League in 2017, having been let go by the Blues one year earlier.

He has now scored five goals against Chelsea in the Premier League; the joint-most by a player to have previously appeared for them in the competition, along with Kevin De Bruyne (five).

It was his enticing cross that led to Jones' 51st-minute winner, too, and he has both scored and assisted in 34 different matches in the Premier League; the second-most of any player in the competition’s history, only behind Wayne Rooney (36). 

Only Pep Guardiola (who won his first 10), meanwhile, has reached 10 wins in all competitions as a Premier League manager in fewer matches than Slot, who has won 10 of his first 11 as Reds boss.

Gary O'Neil felt the awarding of Manchester City's stoppage-time winning goal was "harsh", as Wolves were denied a share of the spoils at Molineux.

The hosts had frustrated the reigning Premier League champions for long periods, and looked like they would claim only a morale-boosting second point of the season.

However, there was to be a dramatic twist in the fifth minute of stoppage time, with John Stones powering home a header from Phil Foden's corner to snatch all three points.

The goal was subjected to a VAR review after the referee's assistant initially raised his flag, with Bernardo Silva in an offside position and in close proximity to Jose Sa.

However, Chris Kavanagh subsequently ruled Silva was not interfering with the Wolves goalkeeper, and O'Neil questioned the inconsistency of such decisions.

"I am trying to remain calm," he said. "I have been involved in a few of those and not had many go in our favour, so I was expecting that outcome.

"There is some grey area that can go either way and, once it was like that, I wasn't confident it would go our way.

"It was similar to a goal [Wolves had disallowed] against West Ham last season. We sent an image to referees showing proof that the West Ham keeper could see the ball, but the reason we were given was the player was in close proximity.

"The same argument could be said here, but we just have to accept it. I would rather not discuss it because it will still sound like I am making excuses. Whatever decision they make, I respect. We don't want to cross that line, but it did feel like a harsh one."

Wolves replaced Southampton at the bottom of the Premier League table, and have now failed to win any of their opening eight league games in a season for the first time in 41 years.

But O'Neil believes his squad can build on the positives they demonstrated against City.

"I am proud of the players," he added. "[It was] an unbelievable effort and we gave ourselves a great chance. I am gutted for the players that we had to leave with nothing.

"The performance was excellent. I thought the lads gave absolutely everything. We kept finding the answers, and we conceded a controversial goal late on. The things that could go against us today definitely did, but we have to take positives.

"It's tough defending for so long, it is so hard to get out. They were working their socks off, they gave everything, they showed what they are, which is all I asked. We need to make sure it looks like that more often.

"It has been such a cruel run of fixtures. We need to keep standing up. We are where we are, and we need to make sure we keep producing the best of ourselves."

Napoli took all three points in a 1-0 win over Empoli on Sunday, and Antonio Conte was happy to get the victory after a disappointing first 45 minutes.

A second-half penalty from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia earned them a 1-0 win, but they could easily have been trailing at the break due to a sluggish start.

They were outplayed in the first half by Empoli, who had 10 shots, four of which were on target, and accumulated 0.66 expected goals (xG), compared to the visitors, who only managed three efforts without testing Devis Vasquez.

Napoli finished the match with just one shot on target, the goal, and Conte recalled their dismal title defence last season along with their 3-0 opening-day defeat to Verona to highlight how their approach has changed when they struggle to break down stubborn opponents.

"In the first half we were spectators, I didn't see what we had prepared, and I saw a lot of nervousness," Conte told reporters.

"Certainly, what satisfies me is to have seen a reaction in the second half. The first was very negative.

"This is a difficult place to come. I don't know if it was due to the fact of defending the top spot, but it makes me smile if I think about last year or how we started this season."

The penalty is the first goal that Empoli have conceded at home this season, as the hosts suffered their second consecutive defeat.

Conte sent on Giovanni Simeone for Romelu Lukaku and replaced Leonardo Spinazzola with Mathias Olivera just before the hour mark to try and inject something different into the game.

Seconds later, they were awarded the decisive penalty, and Conte was pleased that the changes paid off.

"When you work during the week you prepare the game in all phases, we had prepared it defensively with 4-5-1," Conte added.

"I changed something from a tactical point of view, from a possession point of view. I think it bore fruit because we saw another game."

Pep Guardiola saluted Manchester City's patience following their dramatic last-gasp victory over Wolves.

The reigning Premier League champions leapfrogged Liverpool to the summit of the table, after John Stones' stoppage-time header snatched all three points at Molineux.

After Josko Gvardiol cancelled out Jorgen Strand Larsen's earlier effort, it looked like City would endure a frustrating day with a combination of superb Jose Sa saves and stubborn defending keeping them at bay.

However, they eventually broke Wolves' resolve as Stones rose to head home Phil Foden's corner to snatch all three points right at the death.

"We are not a team that wins games right at the end, but the performance there was outstanding," Guardiola said.

"We played really well to have the chances we had. The players who came in were unbelievable and to win that way feels good.

"We have been in that position, when you lose at the end. But this is the game. Both sides try to do their best. They had a game plan, and I am so proud. We played the way we want to play, and it is a joy to be here, to score in the last 50 seconds and go top of the league.

"They had some transitions, they have pace up front and physicality in the middle, they are so strong. But we were patient. Still, we are who we are and that is so nice.

Stones' winner was eventually awarded following a VAR review, with the referee's assistant having initially flagged for offside with Bernardo Silva in close proximity to Sa.

However, referee Chris Kavanagh correctly ruled Silva - though in an offside position - was not impeding the Wolves goalkeeper's view.

"Of course, I didn't understand it," Guardiola added. "I don't know the reason why [the referee's assistant raised his flag], but Bernardo [Silva] isn't disturbing the position.

"Today in modern football, they starve the keeper. At that moment, [Jose] Sa had the perfect vision."

"I thought it had been chalked off," Stones told BBC Sport. "I tried to speak to the ref, but he had a lot of people around him. For me, it is the right call. Obviously, I am going to be biased, but I think it should stand.

"We have been trying super hard to improve our set-pieces and make the most of them. Today, there was a new focus and attitude towards them.

"Hopefully, this is the start of many more. It is a vital part of the game at both ends of the pitch, and really pleasing for me personally to get the winner after such a difficult game."

John Stones' last-gasp header sent Manchester City top of the Premier League after snatching a dramatic 2-1 victory over Wolves at Molineux.

It looked like they were going to miss the chance to leapfrog Liverpool, who host Chelsea later on Sunday, but Stones proved City's hero once again in dramatic fashion.

Struggling Wolves made a purposeful start and took a seventh-minute lead when Nelson Semedo's delicious deep cross was tucked away by Jorgen Strand Larsen.

However, the visitors brought themselves level in the 33rd minute following Josko Gvardiol's stunning strike.

City were largely frustrated by an in-form Jose Sa, who made smart reflex saves to deny Bernardo Silva, Savinho and Ruben Dias.

But, deep into stoppage time, Wolves' resolve was finally broken as Stones rose to meet Phil Foden's corner and power a header into the back of the net.

Data Debrief: Comeback kings City strike again

City have now won 10 of their last 12 Premier League matches while trailing, following Stones' most dramatic of winning goals at Molineux.

They fell behind for the fifth time in seven league games, but responded via Gvardiol's sixth goal of this calendar - the most of any defender in the division.

Stones then completed the turnaround with, at 94 minutes and 33 seconds, City's latest winning goal in a Premier League match since November 2022, when Erling Haaland netted the decider after 94 minutes and 34 seconds against Fulham.

As for Wolves, who slip to the foot of the table, they have failed to win any of their opening eight league games in a season for the first time since 1983-84 (first 14 matches).

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique was full of praise for Senny Mayulu after the teenage midfielder impressed in Saturday's 4-2 Ligue 1 win over Strasbourg. 

The 18-year-old scored PSG's opener as they recorded their sixth win in eight league games this season, remaining ahead of Monaco on goal difference at the summit. 

With Warren Zaire-Emery having already netted this term, PSG are the only team in the top five European leagues to have two goalscorers born in 2006 or later this campaign.

Meanwhile, only two starters – Willian Pacho (92.5%) and Milan Skriniar (96.5%) – bettered Mayulu's passing accuracy of 92.3% and only Joao Neves (18) contested more than his 16 duels. 

"He's showing he has great potential, personality, and skills," Luis Enrique told DAZN of Mayulu. 

"He's very effective in the box. He scored tonight but could have had two more. I'm very happy for him.

"He's a player for the future, I'm very satisfied that he stayed in Paris. We'll have a lot of joy with him."

Luis Enrique's side, fielding a young lineup that includes fellow teenagers Desire Doue and Zaire-Emery, have now scored 25 goals in eight league matches.

"There must be matches with tension, and for young players to develop, I believe they need to feel our trust in them and have the chance to play in these types of games," he added. "I think that's what we have demonstrated since last season."

Marco Asensio, Bradley Barcola and Lee Kang-in also scored during the match, showcasing the team's well-rounded attacking prowess.

"My goal is to develop the team. In the past, the team relied on individual talent but that’s no longer the case. We have many players who can score, but I don't care who scores or makes the assists," Luis Enrique said.

"What matters to me is that everyone contributes to both attack and defence. The objective is to win titles and to play in the best possible way."

PSG will next face PSV on Tuesday in the Champions League, having been beaten by Arsenal last time out in the competition. 

In a thrilling climax to the Junior Cup All-Island Football Finals, Hillel Academy captured their first-ever national title in spectacular fashion, defeating Lannaman’s Prep in a nail-biting penalty shootout at the Constant Spring Football Field on Saturday, October 19. The intense day of football saw the island’s top primary and preparatory schools battle for supremacy, but it was Hillel's grit and determination that ultimately secured their place in history, in what will be remembered as one of the most exciting finishes to the competition.

After three weeks of fierce regional contests, 12 of Jamaica’s finest school teams arrived at the final showdown, each vying for the coveted Junior Cup title. Throughout the day, fans were treated to 19 action-packed matches, filled with skillful plays, heart-stopping moments, and the indomitable spirit of Jamaica’s young footballers.

The semi-final stage was a true test of resilience, with Lannaman’s Prep edging Liberty Prep 1-0 to secure their spot in the final, while Hillel Academy overcame a strong Port Antonio Primary team with a hard-fought 2-1 victory. This set the stage for a thrilling final between two determined teams, each hungry for the championship.

In the final, Nugent Walker gave Hillel Academy an early lead, sending the Hillel supporters into a frenzy. However, Devoron Dixon of Lannaman’s Prep quickly responded, equalizing with a brilliant goal that brought the match to a 1-1 tie. Both teams battled fiercely, but neither could break the deadlock in regular time, pushing the match to the ultimate test—penalty kicks.

With the championship hanging in the balance, Hillel Academy held their nerve during the penalty shootout, sealing a dramatic victory that crowned them Junior Cup champions for the first time. The triumph was met with joyous celebrations from the Hillel players, coaches, and supporters, who had waited years for this historic moment.

Reflecting on the success of the tournament, Paula Pinnock, managing director of FYI Consultancy Group and the driving force behind the Junior Cup, expressed her pride in the event. “This tournament has been an extraordinary showcase of youth football talent and sportsmanship. In its third year, the Junior Cup has grown in both scale and prestige, and we are incredibly proud of the level of competition we’ve seen,” Pinnock said. “With the success of this year’s tournament, we are excited to add another spectacular championship to the calendar of youth football events, giving more young athletes the opportunity to shine on the national stage.”

The Junior Cup All-Island Finals not only celebrated the competitive spirit of Jamaica’s young footballers but also reinforced the importance of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. As Hillel Academy basks in the glory of their hard-fought victory, the tournament’s success signals a bright future for youth football development in Jamaica, setting the stage for the next generation of football stars to emerge.

 

 

 

Carlo Ancelotti has heaped praise on Luka Modric after he worked his magic with a terrific assist to help Vinicius Junior score Real Madrid's winner against Celta Vigo.

The Croatian became the club's oldest player in history when he came on in the 63rd minute, aged 39 years and 40 days.

He moved past Madrid great Ferenc Puskas for the club record, and has been a part of 363 wins for Los Blancos, with 250 of those coming in LaLiga, which is 22 more than nearest rival, and former team-mate, Karim Benzema.

It took him just under three minutes to make an impact on his 547th appearance for the LaLiga champions, setting up the winner in their 2-1 victory after Kylian Mbappe's opener was cancelled out by a counter-attack effort netted by Williot Swedberg. 

And Ancelotti was delighted that Modric's influence was so keenly felt on his landmark day.

"It is an honour to coach and work with Modric, everything he has been able to achieve is because he is a fantastic professional and a man of the highest calibre," Ancelotti told reporters.

"When they equalised I think the changes gave a new energy to the team. It's a very important victory.

"These are two spectacular goals from players that showed they have an amazing talent, from the build-up to the finish. They train really hard and have put on a great effort during this international break to improve their conditions. We have to keep going.

"We competed well, the team was committed the whole game, Celta played well and with intensity, we won three points thanks to a fantastic pass from Modric. He has this quality and always contributes.

"It doesn't matter if it is when he starts or when he comes off the bench... he always helps us. He came on at a difficult moment in the match and changed the script."

Madrid are second in LaLiga, level on 24 points with leaders Barcelona, who play their game in hand against Sevilla on Sunday. After a Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund, who Ancelotti's side beat in the final last year, they host their Clasico rivals in LaLiga next Saturday.

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