Courtois: We forgot how to play football against Arsenal

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois expressed his deep disappointment after his team's heavy 3-0 defeat to Arsenal on Tuesday evening at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of the 2024-25 Champions League quarter-finals. Courtois confirmed that Real Madrid lost focus in the second half of the match, as the players forgot the basics of playing good football, which led to the heavy defeat. He said: "In the first half, we withstood Arsenal's pressure and managed to create some danger through counterattacks, but in the second half we completely lost our balance and couldn't find free players on the pitch. I didn't feel there was panic, but we weren't calm with the ball." Courtois added: "Arsenal is a strong team, and they press well between the lines. They scored two great goals from free kicks, and then came the third goal, which we didn't respond to properly. Trailing 3-0 at home is difficult, but we know we are strong at home. Our fans have to believe in this team, and I think we can come back." The Real Madrid goalkeeper continued: "We have to work hard and correct our mistakes in the coming period. If we can score two goals quickly in the return leg, it will be possible to get a third goal and turn the result around. Although it is not a good start, there is still a chance." Courtois expressed optimism about the team's ability to recover in the second leg, saying: "I don't think recent results will be an obstacle for us. Arsenal were a strong team and played well. In the first half, we were able to overcome their pressure, but we failed in the second half. We have to improve and learn from this experience."