Carlo Ancelotti praised Thibaut Courtois for his crucial saves in Real Madrid’s Champions League victory against Chelsea, despite the fact that it was Rodrygo who scored twice to secure the win
Carlo Ancelotti praised Thibaut Courtois for his pivotal role in Real Madrid’s elimination of Chelsea from the Champions League.
The former Chelsea goalkeeper put in an impressive performance in the second leg, which saw Madrid secure a 2-0 victory and a 4-0 aggregate quarter-final win, thanks to two goals from Rodrygo.
The Belgian goalkeeper made an excellent save to deny Marc Cucurella before Rodrygo scored his second goal. Ancelotti also commended his team for their ability to withstand the pressure from Chelsea during the game at Stamford Bridge.
“They were ahead on the scoreboard [mentally],” he told Movistar. “The save was very important. In the second half, we managed better, we had more space.
“We knew that we had to suffer in this type of game. [Chelsea] tried everything, they created problems for us. It has been a complete game and a deserving tie.”
Rodrygo praised Thibaut Courtois for his crucial saves in the Champions League quarter-final against Chelsea and acknowledged the pressure on Real Madrid to perform up to expectations as they advance to the semi-finals.
“We suffered today at the beginning, but there [Courtois] was again to save us,” he added. “We have the obligation to reach the semi-finals every year.
“We’ve achieved it every year since I’ve been here. I don’t know what happens to me with this competition, but it is very special, and I am very happy.”
Real Madrid are set to face either Manchester City or Bayern Munich in the semi-finals of the Champions League, with Manchester City being the favorite to advance after securing a commanding 3-0 victory in the first leg.
