Thibaut Courtois took center stage in the press conference ahead of Real Madrid‘s crucial Champions League clash against Juventus at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday night at 21:00. The Belgian goalkeeper is set to make his 300th appearance for the club, a milestone that fills him with pride. “As a child, I dreamed of playing for Real Madrid, so reaching this landmark is truly special,” Courtois reflected.
Despite Juventus’ recent struggles, Courtois emphasized the need for vigilance. “They may not be in the best form lately, but facing them will still be challenging. We need to approach the match with intensity and show that we are on home turf. That’s how we’ll secure a positive result.”
Coping with Controversy
The conversation soon shifted to off-field issues, particularly comments made by Barcelona president Joan Laporta regarding refereeing favoritism. Courtois responded candidly, stating, “Laporta has his opinions. Regarding the Negreira case, I’ve never felt that referees have favored us; in fact, I often feel it’s been the opposite. Referees are human and can make mistakes.” His remarks highlight the ongoing tensions within La Liga surrounding officiating standards.
On Playing Abroad
Courtois also expressed his concerns about La Liga’s decision to hold matches outside Spain, particularly referencing a previous encounter in Miami. “It distorts competition,” he argued. “In other leagues like the NBA or NFL, teams play numerous matches before playoffs; here, La Liga imposes these decisions without considering player agreements. Playing at home is not the same as playing away—especially in places like San Sebastián or Getafe.”
This season, Real Madrid’s defensive solidity has been under scrutiny following some high-scoring matches. When asked if he feels more secure defensively this year, Courtois acknowledged the learning curve. “Different moments bring different challenges. We’ve conceded goals from set pieces that we need to improve upon. Overall, our defensive effort has been commendable, but as a goalkeeper for a top club, I must always be prepared.”
As he gears up for this significant match against Juventus, Courtois remains focused on maintaining high standards both individually and as part of the team. With aspirations of advancing deep into the Champions League this season, every match counts.
Will Real Madrid rise to the occasion in this pivotal encounter? As Courtois prepares for his milestone match, fans are eager to see how their team will respond on the grand stage of European football.
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