Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti had high praise for Luka Modric, calling him “a gift for football” after the veteran midfielder’s stunning goal in their 2-0 win over Girona on Sunday.

Modric broke the deadlock in the 41st minute before Vinícius Júnior sealed the victory late in the game. The win keeps Madrid level with Barcelona in the LaLiga title race.

Although Modric is no longer a regular starter, with just nine league starts and 15 substitute appearances this season, his influence in the squad remains strong.

“Modric should keep playing as long as he wants because whatever he does, he does well,” Ancelotti said. “Real Madrid and football as a whole have been lucky to witness his quality and professionalism. He’s truly a gift.”

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini is standing firm in his dispute with Ademola Lookman.

The tension between the two started last week after Atalanta crashed out of the UEFA Champions League. Gasperini criticized Lookman for missing a crucial penalty, which didn’t sit well with the Nigerian forward. Lookman fired back, calling the remarks disrespectful.

Despite Atalanta’s dominant 5-0 win over Empoli on Sunday, Gasperini didn’t hold back. He acknowledged Lookman’s contributions but made it clear that the player also owes a lot to the club.

“Lookman has always been a goal scorer, at least since he joined Atalanta,” Gasperini said in his press conference. “He’s an incredible player, especially when he plays for the team. I also appreciate that he feels a strong connection with the fans.”

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville doesn’t see Nottingham Forest finishing in the Premier League’s top four this season. However, he praised Nuno Espirito Santo’s team as the biggest surprise of the campaign.

Forest currently sits third in the table, three points ahead of defending champions Manchester City. But with a tough run ahead, including a clash against Arsenal at the City Ground on Wednesday, their position is far from secure.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville said, “Nottingham Forest have been incredible, the story of the season. But I think they’ll struggle to stay up there.”

While hoping they can hold on, he predicted a top five of Liverpool, Arsenal, City, Newcastle, and Villa. He also believes teams like Chelsea and Villa could eventually overtake Forest in the race for Champions League spots.

“There are still 12 games left, and that’s a long time. I think it’s going to be a tough run for them,” he added.