Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois spoke in the mixed zone and to Real Madrid TV after the 3-0 win over Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League last 16 first leg, saying that was the game was “one of the best [this year] and also against Barça at home. There are a few more, but I hope we can take today’s performance and keep it in our minds for the rest of the season”.
Courtois on the result
“Very good, very nice. It’s half way in the tie, but I’m very happy with the work and intensity. That’s nice. We have injuries,
but that’s no excuse. It’s a good result, but it’s only a small step. I remember other defeats at the Etihad and anything is possible.”
Courtois on Fede Valverde
“I’m very happy for him. He’s very quick, very strong, he shoots well. We’d practised that a bit and it worked out very well for us. And the third goal was very nice.”
Courtois on his assist
“We took advantage of it today. It’s easier against teams with a higher line. Very happy with my pass and with the whole team.”
Courtois on confusion with Thiago
“We want to find that third man, that’s why I gave it to him. He’s a guy who likes to have the ball, but there… it happens in training, with everyone. Luckily I was quick and got it out with my leg. Happy to be able to get it out.”
Courtois on Haaland being marked by Arda Güler and Fran García at corners
“Our plan was not to concede. They’re very tall and our average height is 1.75 or 1.80. For me, set pieces are about not letting them touch the ball. Once they blocked my back. You have to keep going and next week they’ll look for something new. On their first corner, Semenyo slipped, but it was a good move.”
Courtois on Vinícius’ penalty
“It’s a shame, but there are always ‘what ifs’. They could have scored too. Maybe if Vini had scored, maybe they would have made it 4-1.”
Courtois on the second leg
“In the end, there are two things. We have to look at ourselves. Go out like we did today, with intensity, with concentration. That’s what we did today. And we have to change it in some games. In La Liga, there are teams that defend very deep and we have to find solutions there. Today, with Brahim and Güler, we found solutions there.”
Courtois on Arbeloa comparing Valverde to Juanito
“I didn’t see him play, he’s a legendary player. Fede is a legend at this club. Happy. I saw him tired, like many others. I hope he can recover well.”
Courtois on claiming an assist
“It’s always nice, I look for the backs of the opposing defenders. Valverde was lethal there tonight.”
Courtois on the atmosphere
“The Bernabéu was incredible. A great Champions League atmosphere. I hope for the same on Saturday and to go into Tuesday feeling good.”
Courtois on changing the dynamic
“Yes, we can, we’ve proven it. But you can’t compare La Liga with the Champions League, where teams play more openly. In La Liga, they defend deeper and we struggle.”
