Belgium should be able to boast of having a representative at the start of the Champions League final in the person of Thibaut Courtois. The Madrid goalkeeper, who carried Real Madrid throughout the season with Karim Benzema, will defend, except surprise, the goals of his club when he faces Liverpool on Saturday evening. On the return after his ankle operation, Eden Hazard will probably have to settle for a place on the bench, while Divock Origi will be missing from the Liverpool side due to muscle injury.
This is the second Champions League final in Courtois’ career, after losing with Atlético against his current club in 2014.”It’s my first Champions League final with Real and I can’t wait to be there“, the Belgian number one told the media on Tuesday. “Playing such a final always gives a special feeling. Liverpool are obviously a solid opponent: they play very intensely, pressing aggressively and quickly on the ball. But in a final, anything is possible. Physically we are in excellent condition as Liverpool had to fight until the last minute in England for the title. Maybe that gives us a little edge.“
Nothing would be more beautiful than to offer this Champions League to Real
Thibaut Courtois can already congratulate himself on his season, having saved Real Madrid several times in the title race thanks to decisive saves. More and more observers also consider the Limburger as the best goalkeeper in the world. “It is the result of years of hard work. I have been at a high level for two and a half years. This season, it has been seen more thanks to these crucial stops. It is without a doubt one of my best seasons. I’m really among the best goalkeepers in the world, although it’s hard to say I’m the best. Stopping balloons is my job. On the other side, Karim Benzema must score the goals. This is Real’s strength: that we can make the difference on both surfaces. If you are happy, feel good about yourself and work hard, success always follows. I am happy to have been able to bring my stone to the building and nothing would be more beautiful than to offer this Champions League to Real.“
