Modric stunner helps Real Madrid extend lead at the top

MADRID (Reuters) - Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric came off the bench to net a stunning strike from the edge of the box late in the second half to secure a 1-0 home win over Sevilla on Sunday to stretch their lead at the top of LaLiga to eight points.

Real dominated the match but were frustrated by goalkeeper Orjan Nyland who put in an almost perfect performance until the 38-year-old Modric latched onto a rebound and blasted an unstoppable curling shot into the top corner in the 81st minute.

The win takes Real to 65 points ahead of Barcelona, who are second after beating Getafe 4-0 on Saturday, and nine ahead of third-placed Girona before they host Rayo Vallecano on Monday.

The result leaves Sevilla in 15th spot with 24 points, six points above the relegation zone.