Even a tough version of Thibaut Courtois should not prevent Real Madrid from falling for a damn 3-0 defeat against Arsenal in the first stage of their quarter-final tag of Champions League. The Belgian keeper made five important rescues at the Emirates Stadium, but in the end he was powerless to stop two incredible free kicks from Declan Rice, as well as a third of Mikel Merino.
According to Diario AS, Courtois gave his assessment of the competition in Noord -Londen.
“Arsenal are strong, they press well, they play well between the lines. In the first half we held well and we created a danger of the countertop. But in the second half we forgot to play football. I would not say that we got into panic, but we were not calm with the ball. And they did not respond well.
“I don't think we had a lack of control. It was just the power of the other team. In the first half we came out of the pressure and that is what we wanted in the second, but it didn't work. It is time to improve and learn. The 3-0 is difficult, but you have to believe in this team.
Courtois is also of the opinion that the errors that preceded two free pedal goals prior to Rice's were unnecessarily admitted.
“I knew I would have a job. They are a team that attacks well. In the mistakes I thought I had set up the wall well. I always did an extra man so that the shot does not pass. I can take that responsibility, I could have placed a man more, but I thought I would not be tested. Those in the second stage.”
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