Luka Modric knows first-hand what a 'Clasico' between Real Madrid and Barcelona is like. The Croatian midfielder has played a total of 33 games and this Sunday's game could be his last, as his contract expires this season and a renewal seems a long way off. He will be looking to get a good result against his bogey team, having lost on 13 occasions against them.
A new 'El Clasico ' between Real Madrid and Barcelona is just around the corner. The third, and last, of this season and where the two teams arrive at different emotional and sporting moments. The 'Merengue' team, as well as playing in the warmth of their home fans, arrive after advancing to the Champions League semi-finals, with a nerve-wracking and epic victory over Manchester City in a penalty shoot-out. For their part, the 'Cules' arrive mired in the deepest of disappointment after throwing away all the hard work of the first leg in Paris and succumbing to PSG on Montjuic.
It will be a different game due to the gap of up to 8 points in the standings between the two teams, but there is sure to be the same excitement, intensity and rivalry as always. In addition, it is a duel with a farewell taste or, at least, that is what is expected in the case of Luka Modric, who could leave the club at the end of the season.
The Croatian midfielder could put an end to no less than 12 seasons at Madrid. 12 seasons in which he has faced Barcelona on 33 occasions (15 wins, 5 draws and 13 defeats), with 1 goal and 4 assists on his CV against the 'Cules'. Indelible memories against the Catalan giants in the different clashes, against whom he has managed to lift a Copa del Rey and up to 3 Spanish Super Cups.
However, not everything has been idyllic for Modric against Barca. The 'Cules' are the team he has lost to the most times, with a total of 13 times out of 33 encounters. It is the second team he has played against more times than any other, only behind Atletico Madrid.
Modric was always a permanent fixture in the schemes of his different coaches, especially against Barcelona. The Croatian has started 26 of the 33 'El Clasicos' he has played in. However, as the seasons went by, he was losing prominence, especially this season, where he has only started 18 times out of the 37 official matches he has played in all competitions. Whatever happens in June, the figure of the No 10 will always be eternal in Madrid's memory, especially in these important matches against their eternal rivals.
