Courtois: “We had to give it all and grind and that’s what we did”

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was one of the team’s most highlighted players during the 0-0 draw against Liverpool. The Belgian keeper kept a clean sheet but had to save a few chances in order to do so. Courtois talked to the press after the game.

“We came into today off the back of two really difficult games and maybe we just lacked the legs in attack but defensively we ran as if we had twelve men on the pitch. It was unbelievable. Everyone has to put that effort in when we’re taken to the limit. We had to grind and give it our all and that’s what we did. That’s crucial for the team’s desire and in order to show we’re a unit,” said the goalkeeper.

Courtois also shared his thoughts about the defensive performance from the whole team, which was very solid given the circumstances and the injured players Real Madrid had on the defensive line.

“I made two good saves in the first half. One from Salah that was difficult at my feet and could always slip through my legs. It was a good stop right at the start. Then I pulled one out of the top corner from Milner. That seemed to knock them off their stride a bit and in the end they didn’t score any, it became more difficult for them. Right at the start of the second half then I had to make another save. If that one goes in, they’d have had the whole second half to get another. We defended well, Militão made two fantastic blocks as well. I’m pleased with our defensive efforts,” he explained.

Real Madrid will be facing Chelsea in the Semifinals of the Champions League and Courtois made it clear that he’s aware of how his former club have been doing recently.

“It’s a special game against my former club. Since Tuchel came in, they’ve played 3-5-2, 3-4-3 and they’re doing well, not conceding many goals. It’s going to be a tough match but I hope we can come through it. We’re hungry to win another Champions League and we have to try and go into it on a high. We might get some of our injured players back but everyone who played today showed we’re a fantastic team. Hala Madrid,” concluded the goalkeeper.

Real Madrid will now have a very busy schedule, facing Getafe on Sunday and then visiting Cadiz the following Wednesday.