A group of players in orange uniforms posing on the field, with a coach and a goalkeeper in the foreground.
Ancelotti and Courtois on the starting eleven | Camara Real Madrid Confidencial
FIRST TEAM

Courtois Comments on the Possible 'Bomb' in the XI: I See Him as First Team Player

The Belgian goalkeeper has expressed the pleasant recovery Alaba has had and is confident he will be seen as first team player this season

by

Alex Moreno

Thibaut Courtois has spoken about the possible inclusion of David Alaba in Carlo Ancelotti's starting eleven. The Real Madrid goalkeeper, currently in the final phase of recovery, hasn't held back in praising the Austrian central defender. "I see him very well," said Courtois.

"It's tough to regain rhythm after a year out and without friendlies to get back in shape, but he's gaining confidence. Only those of us who've gone through something like this know how difficult it is. I told him: 'In a few months you'll be touching the ball,' and that's how it's been. We're sure he'll be key for us," expressed Thibaut.

Alaba, ready to return

The central defender has been working intensely after overcoming a long injury. Although he didn't have a preseason, the player seems to be in condition to start immediately. His return is an important boost for the decisive stretch of the season.

A Real Madrid football player waves on the field after a match, with other players and spectators in the background.
Alaba after his return at Bernabéu | Real Madrid CF

Real Madrid faces Brest in a key game of the unified group stage of the Champions League. The Whites need to win to secure a spot among the top eight teams in the competition.

Brest is in thirteenth place and, although they seem like an easy opponent, Ancelotti's team needs more than just a victory.

The conditions to qualify

Madrid must defeat Brest by three goals or more to meet one of the requirements. Additionally, other favorable results are needed:

  • Barcelona must beat Atalanta.
  • Lille and Feyenoord must draw.
  • Aston Villa has to lose against Celtic.
  • Monaco needs to fall to Inter.
  • Bayern must not win by more than two goals.

Confidence in Alaba

The possible inclusion of David Alaba in the starting XI could be key. The defender brings experience and solidity, something Madrid needs to face this decisive match.

Two soccer players hug in a locker room while another player smiles and gives a thumbs up in the background.
Alaba and Mbappé hugging | Real Madrid Confidencial

With the confidence of his teammates, especially Courtois, Alaba could be one of Ancelotti's surprises for this crucial game.

Madrid faces a major challenge. If the results go their way, the team could take an important step toward the round of 16 and reaffirm themselves as a contender for the European title.

➡️ First Team

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