Real Madrid CF Courtois's Very Clear Warning After the 2-3 in Manchester, He Doesn't Forget a Bad Memory
'Two seasons ago Chelsea went 0-3 at Bernabéu. We can't think we're already in the next phase,' he said.
Thibaut Courtois has sent a very clear message after Real Madrid's 2-3 victory at the Etihad Stadium against Manchester City. Although the result favors the white team, the Belgian goalkeeper hasn't forgotten a recent episode in the club's history. Therefore, he wanted to warn his teammates about the dangers of being overconfident.
"Two seasons ago Chelsea went 0-3 at Bernabéu. We can't think we're already in the next phase," Courtois commented in statements after the match.
There Was Already a Scare
This reminder is related to one of the most dramatic moments in Real Madrid's recent history in the Champions League. In the quarterfinals of the 2021-2022 season, Real Madrid arrived at Bernabéu with a 1-3 advantage over Chelsea, thanks to a spectacular hat-trick by Karim Benzema in the first leg.
However, in the return leg, Chelsea surprised Madrid and went ahead 0-3 in the 70th minute of the second leg, which tied the aggregate score at 3-3.
Madrid seemed to be on the brink of elimination, but the reaction was quick and effective. Rodrygo, with a goal in the 80th minute, tied the tie. Subsequently, in extra time, Benzema scored the qualifying goal in the 96th minute, sealing Real Madrid's passage to the semifinals with a 5-4 aggregate.
No Room for Relaxation
Courtois recalled this episode as a warning for the team: "At that moment, the tie seemed lost. We can't consider any phase closed. No matter how much advantage we have, soccer can be unpredictable."
Despite the victory in Manchester, the goalkeeper knows that City remains a very dangerous team, with the quality and ability to come back from any situation.
Despite the advantage obtained, Courtois insisted on the importance of not relaxing. "We have to stay focused and think we haven't won anything yet. City is a great team and we can't relax," he assured.
Additionally, the goalkeeper highlighted the team's defensive work, which had to deal with the constant attack from Haaland and company.
Real Madrid is aware that City won't give up easily. With Courtois leading from the goal and a motivated team, Madrid knows that the return leg will be as difficult as it was in 2021-2022. There will be no room for complacency at Santiago Bernabéu.
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