Real Madrid had to hold on to beat Cadiz 2-1 in our final game before the World Cup break.

It was a game that Madrid were winning comfortably by two goals, and then Luka Modric missed a glaring chance to make it 3-0. Cadiz would go on to score in the final 10 minutes and create a nervy end to the game.

Carlo Ancelotti has revealed how he tried to console Modric who was feeling downcast after his miss.

Ancelotti said, “Yes, we played very well until 2-1. We were able to make it 3-0 with (Luka) Modric. Then it’s normal. It has been unnecessary suffering. Three deserved points and we finished well.”

On Luka Modric’s miss, he joked: “He is a bit down. I’ve told him that it’s a good thing Croatia’s call-up has already been made and he won’t have a problem!

“Yes, it’s good because there’s nothing else to do. After a well-done start to the season, we’ve become a little average, but we’ve delivered. Now to rest. The objectives are met. We have 35 points in the League, which is a lot, more than last year, considering that the Ballon d’Or has missed for many games. We are satisfied.

“Yes, we have arrived a little tired in the last games.”