VIGO, SPAIN – Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo at Balaídos on Thursday, March 6, 2026, a result goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois believes is crucial as the team prepares for a pivotal Champions League clash against Manchester City. The win, secured by a stoppage-time goal from Federico Valverde, wasn’t easy, requiring resilience and contributions from several youth players amidst a significant injury list.
Courtois, speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, emphasized the importance of the victory, particularly given it fell on the club’s anniversary. “It’s very important to win, especially on the birthday of our great club. A joy for all the fans. It wasn’t an easy match,” he said, acknowledging Celta Vigo’s defensive setup. “They played with eleven behind the ball and it was difficult to find spaces. We started well with the goal, the post, and a few shots, but then they got into the game. The equalizer was a shame, but in the second half we wanted to win more than them.”
The match saw Aurelien Tchouameni open the scoring for Real Madrid, but Borja Iglesias leveled for Celta Vigo before Valverde’s late intervention. The victory moves Real Madrid within one point of La Liga leaders Barcelona, who play Athletic Club later on Thursday. However, the focus for Courtois and the squad is already shifting to the looming Champions League quarterfinal against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
Real Madrid faced a challenging situation at Balaídos, with ten players unavailable due to injury or suspension. This necessitated the inclusion of several players from the youth academy, and Courtois was quick to praise their performance. “The youth team players came on very well, and I want to congratulate them. It’s easy to debut when everything is going well, but it’s more complicated to do so in a moment like today, and they showed a lot of personality,” he stated. The reliance on academy players underscores the depth of the squad and the club’s commitment to developing young talent.
Courtois also reflected on his own form and fitness, having worked diligently to return to peak condition following a recent knee operation. “I perceive very good. After the operation, I continued to perform hard, doing gym work to maintain my speed, and explosiveness. Apart from a few awful days, touch wood, I haven’t had any injuries this year. That demonstrates the daily work,” he explained. His solid performance against Celta Vigo, including crucial saves, was vital in securing the three points.
Looking ahead to the match against Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabéu, Courtois stressed the need for unwavering intensity and concentration from both the players and the supporters. He drew a parallel to the atmosphere generated during Real Madrid’s recent Champions League victory against Benfica, urging the fans to replicate that level of support. “We need the team with enormous intensity and very concentrated. We know it’s an important match and we need the fans from the first minute, as they did against Benfica. It can be a great night at the Bernabéu. We all have to be at 200%, us and the fans. I am sure we will win,” he said.
The upcoming clash with Manchester City represents a significant test for Real Madrid. The English champions are consistently among the favorites to win the Champions League, and a strong performance from Courtois, coupled with the energy of the Bernabéu crowd, will be essential for Real Madrid’s chances of progressing to the next round. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Spain. Kick-off is at 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT).
This victory at Balaídos, while not a dominant performance, demonstrates Real Madrid’s ability to grind out results even when facing adversity. The contributions of the youth players and the leadership of experienced figures like Courtois will be vital as the team navigates a challenging schedule that includes both La Liga and Champions League commitments. The team’s resilience and determination will be put to the test once again against Manchester City, a match that promises to be a thrilling encounter for football fans worldwide.
The win also provides a boost to the team’s confidence as they navigate a busy period. With several key players still sidelined, the ability to secure victories with a mix of experienced players and emerging talents is a testament to the depth of the squad and the tactical flexibility of the coaching staff.
Real Madrid will now turn their full attention to preparing for the Champions League encounter with Manchester City. The team will undoubtedly analyze their performance against Celta Vigo, identifying areas for improvement and refining their tactics in anticipation of a tough battle against one of the best teams in Europe.
Next up for Real Madrid is the highly anticipated Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Manchester City on Wednesday, March 11th at the Santiago Bernabéu. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage and analysis as Real Madrid continues its pursuit of both domestic and European glory.
