Luka Modric's game-changing pass against Chelsea takes social media by storm

Real Madrid advance to Champions League semi-finals after memorable night at the Bernabeu

Real Madrid's Luka Modric acknowledges the crowd after the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Chelsea at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, April 12, 2022. Getty

Real Madrid's midfielder Luka Modric celebrates at the end of the UEFA Champions League quarter final second leg soccer match between Real Madrid and Chelsea held at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, in Madrid, Spain, 12 April 2022. EPA / JUANJO MARTIN

Luka Modric consoles Hakim Ziyech of Chelsea at the Bernabeu on Tuesday. Getty

Luka Modric celebrates Real Madrid's qualification for the Champions League semi-finals. Getty

Real Madrid's Lucas Vazquez and Luka Modric celebrate after the match. Reuters

Luka Modric celebrates Real Madrid's qualification to the Champion League semi-finals. Getty

Real Madrid's Luka Modric celebrates after his team qualified for the Champion League semi-finals. AP

Christian Pulisic of Chelsea is challenged by Luka Modric at the Bernabeu. Getty

Real Madrid's Luka Modric turned the match around against Chelsea on Tuesday. EPA

Chelsea's Thiago Silva battles with Real Madrid's Luka Modric. Reuters

Chelsea were left heart-broken as a superb fightback at the Bernabeu against Real Madrid on Tuesday was not enough to secure qualification for the Champions League semi-finals.

Thomas Tuchel's side wiped out Madrid's 3-1 lead from the quarter-final first leg as Mason Mount, Antonio Rudiger and Timo Werner put the reigning champions on the cusp of a stunning victory.

Then Luka Modric, 36, put all his skill and experience into one moment of genius as a sumptuous 30-yard pass with the outside of his right foot set up Rodrygo beautifully and the substitute volleyed in.

In extra time, it was the turn of Karim Benzema to deliver on the big stage again.

After scoring a hat-trick in the first leg to give Madrid a 3-1 lead, Benzema dashed Chelsea's hopes again, capitalising on a Rudiger slip to head in. Real secured a 5-4 aggregate victory despite a 3-2 loss on Tuesday.

“It was another incredible night at the Bernabeu,” said Modric. “We suffered but we never gave up. We kept fighting until the end and managed to advance. We gave everything we had and showed great character.”

Modric's moment of brilliance took social media by storm, with pundits and fans marvelling at its precision and execution.

Rio Ferdinand, on BT Sports, said: "This pass from Luka Modric is why I lost my voice today! That's illegal, that. Phenomenal."

Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher also lauded the sensational move, which many have already labelled the pass of the year.

"It was another incredible night, what a sweet-tasting loss," Modric told Movistar Plus.

"We didn't give up until the end. Despite going 0-3, I don't think we played a bad game. Another night of suffering, but the important thing is that we have qualified."