Courtois: “We defended better in the second half”
“I’m glad that Vini Jr. dances. Let him keep dancing because that means he scores goals,” added the goalkeeper.
Thibaut Courtois analyzed Real Madrid's victory against Benfica and their qualification for the round of 16 of the Champions League: “Since Prestianni wasn’t playing, they didn’t use a right winger. Ríos was more central, and that created problems for us. They moved a lot; their full-back was high up, and there was a space we didn’t close well, which is why I think the first goal came. Then, in the second half, we defended better. We adjusted at halftime, but it’s true we suffered in the first half. Their goal was a bit unlucky because Asencio hit it, I saved it, and it went straight to their player. I think we improved later, we equalized, and that was important.”
Do you need to be more reliable to aim for the Champions League?
“We are reliable. In the Champions League, it’s normal for opponents to create chances. We need to adjust things, and we’ll surely do that with the coach and video analysis. We’ve been quite consistent these weeks, but in terms of play, we lack a bit of fluidity and speed with the ball. We need to move it more from side to side. If we take too long to pass, the opponent gets comfortable, and that’s where we need to play faster. That’s what Arbeloa told us at halftime. The second half was better. We’re not playing great, but winning is what matters.”
On Vini Jr.'s celebration after the winning goal
“I was far away. I always turn around and celebrate with the crowd because I’m alone. I’m glad that Vini Jr. dances. Let him keep dancing because that means he scores goals.”
His crucial save at 1-1
“I saw a photo, and the truth is I made a good save. It went through the legs, and I was down well, ready to stop it. I think it’s in my genes from my parents, who played volleyball, and I played it as a kid. It’s a technique I used at Chelsea. These are techniques we sometimes use, and they work.”
Opponent in the round of 16
“You know that the day after tomorrow, it’ll probably be City. I played against Sporting Portugal in 2015 with Chelsea, and it’s a nice stadium too. They’re also a tough opponent; they’re doing very well in their league. I hope we can change it. It’s true we’ve been playing against City for many years, and it’s a dream match, but let’s see if for once it doesn’t happen.”
Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.