Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is delighted with the form of Luka Modric.

Ancelotti was speaking ahead of their Champions League clash with Sheriff Tiraspol.

He said of Modric: “I'm pleased with how he's doing. He was out with an injury and has come back strongly. When you bring a player off in the 75th minute it's not because they're performing poorly, it's because I wanted to add some fresh legs.

"He changed the whole complexion of the game against Villarreal. He did really well in the attacking midfielder role and stopped Capoué from playing. I brought him off because you've got to remember that he's 36 and bringing him off a bit earlier can mean that he avoids an injury issue further down the line."

Ancelotti admits he's also happy with David Alaba at centre-half.

He added: “Militão and Alaba are doing really well. We've played eight games and have kept clean sheets in three of them. We're improving but it's a collective responsibility and isn't just down to the defence. Militão and Alaba have to get used to playing together, but they've got off to a good start."