Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has praised after an excellent performance that helped Los Blancos beat Liverpool 1-0 in the Champions League final at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday night.
During the match, Courtois saved nine shots, out of a total of 24 Liverpool shots, including four brilliant saves that could decide the outcome of the game.
In the 21st minute, Sadio Mane crossed the goal with the ball and then shot it to the near corner, but Courtois still had time to react, push the ball to hit the post and bounce off.
When Mohamed Salah had the ball just a few meters from the goal in the second half, Courtois closed the corner to save and flew to push Diogo Jota’s defeated shot.
The Belgian goalkeeper’s most brilliant save came in the 83rd minute, when he pushed Salah’s cross shot wide. Salah then slammed his hand on the ground to reveal his regret.
“I have felt very good this year, I’ve managed the last few weeks well, and once you make the first stop then you’re focused, and I took chances from [Sadio] Mane and Salah,” Courtois said.
“Especially Salah’s, I looked for it from distance, and I knew where the ball was going. It’s crazy, I don’t believe it,” Courtois added.
Courtois became the most saved goalkeeper in Champions League final history with nine saves, he beating Alisson Becker’s record of eight – with Liverpool in 2018-2019, and Edwin van der Sar – with Man Utd season 2010-2011.
Jermaine Pennant, who played for Liverpool between 2006–2009, heaped praise on Courtois’ performance.
“Twenty-four shots he faced, nine on target but no materi what Liverpool tried or did, he was there to stop that.” Pennant said.
“From the corners he was coming out and commanding the ball and putting his body in there. He was getting down to shots.
“In the first five minutes Salah flicked one round the corner but he was down like a shot. He was unbelievable.” he added.
