Juventus and Italy legend Alessandro Del Piero was in the press box for Sky Sport Italia to cover Real Madrid’s 2nd leg encounter against Chelsea at the Santiago Bernabeu. Although Los Blancos lost 3-2 after an extra time comeback to oust the Blues, it was enough to edge them 5-4 on aggregate after Karim Benzema’s first-leg heroic hattrick settled a 3-1 lead going into this match.
Del Piero took his time after the match to meet with Real Madrid’s hero of the night Luka Modric, whose sizzling outfoot assist for Rodrygo’s tap-in got the hosts’ first goal of the evening.
Speaking of their encounter, Pinturicchio`said: “We didn’t talk for long. He breathed a sigh of relief. He was aware they were in trouble. I just told him: ‘Look, you did everything on your own, my friend, just enjoy it!”
?This angle of Luka Modric’s assist is EVERYTHING!?
— SPORF (@Sporf) April 12, 2022
He then gave his verdict of the Modric’s performance, which earned the Croat his man of the match accolade, with an interesting comment.
“We missed nothing tonight, it was an exceptional game. He is the player who changed the game. Modric did everything. Tonight was unique and strange. Chelsea seemed in control, but then it changed again and we had the feeling that the game could go to a penalty shootout. It was an incredible game. We’ve known each other for a long time. I was happy to meet him, he is an extraordinary footballer.”
Rio Ferdinand on Luka Modric ? pic.twitter.com/wLiRFk0NNT
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Del Piero himself has happy memories at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, having struck an unstoppable brace against Real Madrid in 2008 during the Champions League group stages. It was a performance that prompted the stadium to give him a standing ovation.