Real Madrid endured a difficult night in Jeddah, suffering a heavy 5-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. Between sporting disillusionment and symbolic gestures, Florentino Pérez’s message to Luka Modric after the defeat will live long in the memory.
The evening had started well. Real Madrid looked capable of holding off their eternal rivals Barcelona. However, despite a numerical advantage in the second half, the game ended in a spectacular rout. The final score, 5-2, left a bitter taste in the mouths of Madrid players and fans alike.
But the Whites showed their dignity in defeat. At the medal ceremony, the team displayed exemplary sportsmanship, although the disappointment was visible on all their faces. Among them was Luka Modric, the symbol of Real Madrid’s triumph of the last decade.
The poignant moment between Modric and Pérez
After coming on in the 64th minute, Modric was unable to turn the match around. At 39, the Croatian midfielder continues to play at a high level, but his influence is no longer the same. At the ceremony, Florentino Pérez was keen to say a few words to his player. Captured by the cameras of Movistar Plus, the moment revealed an emotional exchange. ‘Sometimes you have to lose a final, don’t you,’ Pérez told Modric. These words, full of realism, were intended to console the player. The President also highlighted the Croatian’s many successes in a white shirt.
Florentino Perez à Modric : “Parfois il faut bien perdre en finale, n’est-ce pas ?” pic.twitter.com/Xh9sNQtW8L
— Real Madrid 🇫🇷 (@RMadridFrance_) January 12, 2025
This simple exchange illustrates the spirit of Real Madrid. Florentino Pérez reminded Modric that defeat, however painful, is part of a champion’s career. By way of encouragement, he concluded with a friendly gesture, a pat on the shoulder, which conveyed as much respect as hope. For Modric, this message resonates as a universal truth of football. Even the greatest teams suffer setbacks. But it is often in these moments that the greatest comebacks are forged.
Florentino Pérez le dice a Modrić: “Alguna vez teníamos que perder una final”
Es verdad pero hay maneras de perder finales y la de hoy es inaceptable. pic.twitter.com/s68KXuzx6s
— MT2 (@madrid_total2) January 12, 2025
Is Modric nearing the end of his career?
At almost 40, Luka Modric is approaching the final chapters of his career. His longevity and track record command respect. But this lost final could mark a turning point. Carlo Ancelotti, who did not start him for this crucial match, must now manage a delicate transition within the squad. Modric, on the other hand, remains an example to his team-mates. His dignified and humble reaction to the defeat reflects the values of Real Madrid. But how much longer will he be able to play at this level? The question remains open.
In any case, for Real Madrid, this rout of Barça is not just a statistic. It is a reminder of the challenges ahead, in a season where every game counts. Florentino Pérez’s reference to the need to accept defeat sends out a clear message: the club must learn, bounce back and aim to win again.
