Four goals against, but still a 10 for “miracle man with injury” Courtois: “The only one at level” | Champions League

Can we first look back at Thibaut Courtois’ memorable evening?

In minute 13, the keeper had to use his reflexes for the first time. From very close – actually it was more difficult to miss than to score – Courtois was able to turn Erling Haaland’s header.

Less than ten minutes later, Courtois did something even better.

Now his Norwegian opponent could not be blamed for a poor finish, because he aimed the ball perfectly towards the corner. Only Courtois again had the ultimate reflex to turn the attempt.

And then number three.

Eye-to-eye with Haaland, the Red Devil managed to prevent the phenomenon from scoring again. It may have been 2-0 at that time, but praise for Courtois rained on social media.

Even afterwards, the Spanish newspapers would not save the compliments, despite the heavy defeat.

AS awarded our compatriot with a 9 in his report, Marca even went a step further and handed out a perfect 10. Unseen for a keeper who concedes four goals against.

With his teammates, only Toni Kroos narrowly got a pass. “Courtois was the only Real player at a high level”, it sounded resolutely.

“Only he prevented an even more painful defeat. Courtois performed three miracles and had no chance with the goals. He couldn’t do more, simple.”

Even more impressive: according to Marca, among others, the goalkeeper even played with a torn trip, an injury suffered in the competition against Getafe.

But Courtois’ heroics were not enough for another Champions League final.

At the Spanish rights holder, the goalkeeper looked back on the downfall in Manchester with a gloomy face: “After the opening goal, it was difficult to fight back,” said Courtois. they score 2-0. Those little things helped last year, but don’t turn.”

Courtois did not hide the fact that the exit came in hard.

“Mostly because of the way,” he explained. “You can lose with penatly’s, extra time, 2-1, 2-0… But 4-0 is tough. Still we are proud that we got here. To die just before the final is hard, even if it was against a great team. If you are not 100% against City it will be very difficult.”