Luka Modric: Real Madrid's El Clasico over Barcelona victory felt 'very comfortable'

The Los Blancos strategy of absorbing Barcelona's pressure and hitting back on the break worked twice in the opening 45 minutes as Karim Benzema and Fede Valverde gave Real Madrid control without the ball, before Rodrygo added another goal via a penalty late in the game to secure the win.

Speaking to DAZN after the match, Luka Modric admitted things had all gone according to plan for Los Blancos during the highly-anticipated clash, which now sees then sitting three points ahead of Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table after nine games.

"We knew that there would be a moment in the match where we would have to suffer because they control the ball well," Modric said.

"We had to give more from each individual, defend strongly and suffer, and we have done that. We were very effective up front and we scored three goals. We played a great game."

The 37-year-old Modric loved the standing ovation he received from the Santiago Bernabeu fans when he left the pitch afterwards.

"What to say about the public? Again, to give thanks for the love. It is the best thing that can happen to a player," he added.

Modric backed teammate Benzema to win the Ballon d'Or award, which is due to be announced in Paris on Monday night.

"We all know what will happen. We are very happy for him. Benzema deserves the Ballon d'Or for everything he has done and continues to do," Modric concluded.