Thibaut Courtois has his eyes set on another victory as Liverpool gears up for a grudge match against Real Madrid this Wednesday night. The Reds, who’ve come up short in recent clashes with the La Liga titans including heartbreaks in both the 2018 and 2022 Champions League finals, should be itching for some payback.
The Belgian shot-stopper was instrumental in Madrid’s narrow 1-0 triumph in Paris during the 2022 final in Paris, earning himself the Player of the Match accolade. He also stood between the sticks at Anfield when Madrid staged a stunning comeback from 2-0 down to secure a thumping 5-2 win back in February 2023.
Courtois, having faced Liverpool 13 times, savouring victory in more than half those encounters, has only been bested once by the Merseyside outfit. Despite Liverpool’s formidable form under new boss Arne Slot, leading the pack in both domestic and European competitions, Courtois acknowledges the boost Anfield provides but remains eager to bolster his already stellar record against them.
“Liverpool is a team with a new coach after many years with Klopp,” said Courtois. “Now with Arne Slot, it is a very dynamic, offensive team, with the same dynamic.
“With a lot of pressure, a lot of attacks, good counter-attacks and a lot of speed up front. Playing at Anfield is a plus for them. They will surely be very keen on us because they lost the final in Paris and the round of 16 in 2023. They will want that little revenge and we hope to win.”
The memory of a Sergio Ramos-inflicted shoulder injury that saw Mohamed Salah exit the 2018 final in Kyiv early still lingers for the Egyptian ace. Salah, whose Liverpool contract winds down next summer, has certainly caused a stir within Real Madrid ranks before with hints at seeking retribution on the pitch.
Back in 2014, Thibaut Courtois shared a dressing room with Salah at Chelsea for half the season. With Salah boasting an impressive tally of 12 goals and 10 assists in just 18 games this term, Courtois is keenly aware of the danger his ex-Chelsea mate presents.
“Salah is a special player,” remarked Courtois via Real Madrid’s own TV channel. “He makes the difference at Liverpool. He is very good and we will have to keep a close eye on him.”
Liverpool.com says: Real Madrid has so many injuries at the moment that Liverpool should be eyeing an opportunity. If ever the Reds are going to come out on top in this fixture, it should be now!
