Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois recently marked a significant milestone by securing his 100th clean sheet for Real Madrid in a hard-fought victory against Real Sociedad.
The Belgian acknowledged the importance of this win, especially considering the challenges they faced. He mentioned that the game was particularly tough following the international break, with many of his teammates returning from long journeys.
He admitted that it wasn’t Real Madrid’s best performance, but they were fortunate, with the goalposts coming to their rescue.
“This victory is very valuable. Playing here is very hard, especially at the start of the season. It was a difficult game after the international break and with teammates on long trips,” said Courtois as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
“It wasn’t our best game and the posts helped. In the second half we played better, we created danger and we had two clear penalties. Vini and Mbappe finished well and we also kept another clean sheet,” he added.
Milestone with Real Madrid
Reaching 100 clean sheets for Real Madrid is a special achievement for Courtois. He emphasised that keeping a clean sheet is no easy task, but it’s a testament to the collective effort of the entire team.
Courtois pointed out that when they manage to keep the opposition from scoring, it often leads to victory.
“It’s special to reach 100 clean sheets with Real Madrid. It’s not always easy. We do a great job as a team and today it showed. When we keep a clean sheet we usually win.”
He also praised the partnership between Vinícius and Mbappé, noting that their chemistry on the pitch is growing stronger, leading to more dangerous chances and goals. He’s confident that the duo will continue to find the back of the net regularly.
“Vini and Mbappe are becoming better and better at linking up, they’ve created a lot of danger and they will continue to score many goals,” he noted.
Current form and way ahead
Reflecting on his current form, Courtois expressed his satisfaction with how he’s been performing. The season has started well, with Real Madrid already keeping three clean sheets, and only two goals have been conceded so far.
He is training hard and feeling fit, especially after missing a significant portion of last season due to injury. Now, he’s relishing the opportunity to be back on the pitch, contributing to the team’s success.
“I feel good and comfortable. We’ve already kept three clean sheets this season and only two goals have been scored against us.
“I feel good and I’m training hard. Last year I had to watch a lot of games from the stands, but now I’m very happy to have played so many games,” said the Belgian.
Looking ahead, Courtois stressed the importance of adapting to the new format of the competition and the need to win home games at all costs. He hopes that Real Madrid can continue their strong start to the season, with the fans’ support, and finish their matches with more clean sheets.
“This season we have to get used to the new format and we have to win our home games no matter what. I hope we start well, with the support of the fans and finish with a clean sheet.”
