Courtois Reacts to Possible Real Madrid vs. Manchester City Clash: “You Have to …”
After Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Brest, Thibaut Courtois spoke to the media about the team’s performance and the upcoming Champions League round of 16 draw. Despite their dominant win, Madrid failed to secure a top-8 finish, meaning they will now face either Manchester City or Celtic in the knockout stage.
Courtois on Facing City or Celtic
The Belgian goalkeeper acknowledged the challenge ahead but remained confident:
“We’ve been in this situation before, two or three times. If we get City… If you want to win the Champions League, you have to beat the best teams.”
While Madrid would prefer to face Celtic, the squad knows that to reclaim the European crown, they will eventually need to overcome elite competition.
Madrid’s Tight Schedule
Courtois also spoke about the team’s hectic calendar, with crucial fixtures coming up:
- LaLiga match vs. Espanyol
- Madrid derby in February
- Champions League round of 16 (first leg)
- Another LaLiga match
- Champions League return leg at the Bernabéu
“It wasn’t an easy match today, but we defended well. We could’ve scored more, but so could they. Now we focus on Espanyol—there are many games, and it never stops,” he added.
Madrid’s Missed Opportunity
The squad admits they should have sealed qualification earlier, but losses against Lille and AC Milan proved costly.
“We didn’t lose our top-8 spot today, but in previous matches. We’ll be ready for the playoffs. We fear no one,” Courtois concluded.
Real Madrid now awaits the draw, knowing that a showdown with Manchester City could come sooner than expected.
