Real Madrid: Courtois declares, “We needed to act, not talk

Real Madrid secured a commanding 3-0 victory against Athletic Club at San Mamés on Wednesday night, effectively ending a frustrating streak of three consecutive draws in La Liga. The team displayed remarkable intensity and determination from the opening whistle, establishing their dominance on the pitch in Bilbao. Following the match, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois reflected on the team’s mindset and what had shifted: “We needed to stop talking and start acting; that’s exactly what we did.”

Courtois emphasized the significance of this match, stating, “It was a very important game on a challenging field. Today felt like a final. After our run of draws, it was crucial to secure a win, and we achieved it through teamwork, effective pressing, and intensity right from the start.” The Belgian shot-stopper also addressed the shortcomings observed in recent matches, particularly against Girona: “In Girona, especially in the first half, we lacked intensity both offensively and defensively. While every match is different, today we performed exceptionally well.”

Collective Commitment Shines Through

Courtois further highlighted the collective engagement displayed by the squad. He noted that pride as players motivated them to elevate their performance: “As players, we had to give more on the field. We agreed that it was time to stop talking and start acting, and that’s precisely what we did.” He also reminded everyone that in football, without consistent intensity, “any team can pose a threat.”

Mbappé’s Stellar Performance

The goalkeeper didn’t shy away from praising Kylian Mbappé for his outstanding performance during the match, where he scored twice and provided an assist. Courtois remarked, “Playing alongside Kylian is far better than facing him. His pace is unmatched; sometimes I find myself thinking ‘how lucky I am to play with Mbappé.’ This acknowledgment of Mbappé’s talent underscores not only his impact on this game but also his vital role within the team moving forward.

This victory marks a pivotal moment for Real Madrid as they look to regain momentum in their La Liga campaign. With upcoming fixtures on the horizon, can they maintain this level of intensity? The pressure is certainly on as they aim for further success.