Real Madrid has done extra work on defending set pieces to prepare for their collision with Arsenal in the quarterfinals of the Champions League, says Thibaut Courtois.
This season, Arsenal has generated 14.29 expected goals of non-Penalty-Set pieces in the Premier League, the highest of each team, which emphasizes the important threat they form from dead-ball situations.
Since Arteta took over the leadership of the Gunners in December 2019, they have scored 77 goals from SET documents (excluding penalties), which at that time only stands behind Manchester City (82) and Liverpool (80).
And goalkeeper Courtois from Madrid knows that the Carlo Ancelotti team must be determined in defending such situations.
“We worked on it yesterday,” said Courtois.
“We know how to try to defend themselves against them. The first does not matter many corners.
“Then it's about concentration, being active. Sometimes it's about the quality of the opponent. If the ball is delivered perfectly, you may be well positioned, but it is still difficult to defend.”
@Thibautcourtois pic.twitter.com/77BI2QF7VH
– Real Madrid CF (@Realmadriden) 8 April 2025
Arsenal's dependence on set pieces has grown, especially with injuries to important attackers such as Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli.
Saka and Martinelli are back in action, in a boost to the hope of Mikel Arteta.
However, the Gunners miss a crucial element for their set piece success, because Gabriel Magalhaes has been sidelined with a seasonal hamstring injury. The Brazilian is a powerful threat to set pieces and is a supporting pillar in the Arsenal team since his arrival in 2020.
Madrid was last confronted with Arsenal in the Champions League in 2006, when the Gunners anticipated the courtesy of a lonely Thierry Henry goal.
Since then, however, Los Blancos has added six Champions League titles to their collection, with Arsenal to win the trophy.
“We have a lot of respect for Arsenal,” said Courtois. “I have many friends who are Arsenal fans. I know they have done great in the Premier League. They are a young team, a strong defense, on the countertop and pieces.
“I think Arsenal is doing great. It's a matter of time before they win a trophy.”