Real Madrid’s in-form goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois spoke with measured optimism after his team secured a 2-0 victory over Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie in London. The win places Madrid in a strong position as the teams prepare for the second encounter, where goals will be the clear target for both sides.
Courtois acknowledged the value of a knockout win while stressing that the scoreline leaves room for caution. He noted that knockout clashes demand peak performance moments and that the side is more than capable of producing more in the return leg. Although the result is encouraging, the Belgian shot-stopper emphasized the need to convert chances and avoid any regrets in the rematch next week once again in Chelsea’s fortress.
Speaking after the match, Courtois outlined Madrid’s immediate objective for the second game: score early, apply sustained pressure, and secure another victory to build momentum heading into the decisive phase of the tie. His comments reflected a collective mindset within the squad to balance assertive attacking play with disciplined defense as they bid to advance further in Europe.
Madrid’s goals in the first leg came from Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio, two players renowned for their experience and precision in high-stakes encounters. The pairing demonstrated that the visitors could unlock Chelsea’s defense with well-timed runs and clinical finishing, while the Madrid backline managed the situation effectively to preserve the clean sheet in a challenging away fixture.
The upcoming second leg, scheduled to take place in London on a date announced for mid-week action, promises a tense battle as Chelsea seek revival and Madrid look to seal progress. An extra layer of intrigue surrounds the tactical plans each manager will deploy, with both sides aiming to exploit vulnerabilities and deny the opposition meaningful chances at the other end.
Beyond this tie, the other Champions League quarter-final results added further drama. Inter edged Benfica 2-0, Napoli were edged 1-0 by Milan, and Manchester City asserted a convincing 3-0 home win against Bayern, signaling the intensity of the competition as the knockout stages unfold. Meanwhile, reports circulated about Sadio Mané and Bayern, mentioning a possible departure tied to internal issues, which underscores how players and clubs are navigating a period of change amid ongoing European fixtures.