Soccer-Modric leads Real Madrid to 4-1 win over Villarreal but Alaba injured

Soccer Football - LaLiga - Real Madrid v Villarreal - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - December 17, 2023 Real Madrid's Fran Garcia and Nacho celebrate after the match REUTERS/Isabel Infantes

MADRID (Reuters) -Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric demonstrated his enduring value with a goal and a brilliant assist in a 4-1 home win over Villarreal on Sunday to put his side top of LaLiga but they lost defender David Alaba to an ACL injury in the first half.

Real's Austria international went off after 35 minutes as he became the third Real player sidelined with a torn anterior cruciate ligament injury this season after centre-back Eder Militao and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.