Courtois heaps praise on Federico Valverde after Real Madrid’s win over Athletic Club – “Unusually powerful” | OneFootball

Thibaut Courtois had a relatively quiet day as Real Madrid secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Athletic Club at Santiago Bernabeu.

As the scoreline suggests, it was a gritty affair as Real Madrid struggled to break the deadlock despite creating numerous chances.

Ultimately, it needed a moment of brilliance from Federico Valverde to secure a winner in the 93rd minute.

What Courtois said after Real Madrid’s win over Athetlic Club

Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the game, Courtois heaped praise on Valverde for his late winner, stressing that it would help Real Madrid remain alive in the title race.

“This victory was very important; we want to continue fighting. Barça won yesterday, and it was our turn to win. The good thing was creating chances in the second half and keeping a clean sheet.

“They didn’t have many chances against them, just one and that was it. The attacking and defensive aspects were very good in the second half,” he told Real Madrid TV (h/t Diario SPORT).

Talking about the game itself, Courtois admitted it was a difficult match, as Marcelino’s troops put up a strong fight.

“It was a difficult match. Athletic, after playing on Thursday, came out defending well. They didn’t press high and there wasn’t much space.

Courtois was mesmerised by Valverde’s late winner (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

“In the first half, we struggled a bit to find openings to create danger, but in the second half, we started very well. We attacked well and created a lot of danger,” he said.

Courtois went on to describe Federico Valverde’s late winner, praising the Uruguayan international for his shooting prowess.

“The goal didn’t seem to fall until Valverde once again created a superb goal, as he knows how to do,” Courtois said.

“Fede has a very unusual and very good shot. Yesterday in training, he kicked a ball at me that looked like it was going wide, but it went in.

“He’s a very sharp, fast, and powerful shot. In training, he does at least one a week. We’ve been telling him to shoot for many years, and that’s what he’s done,” he added.

Finally, the Belgian goalkeeper assured fans that Real Madrid are confident heading into the upcoming matches against Getafe and Barcelona, their opponent in the Copa Del Rey final.

“With confidence. Getafe away is always a tough game for us. It’s a derby, and we have to win to stay in contention.

“Then comes the Copa del Rey final, and we want to give the fans something to cheer about after we’re eliminated. Winning the Copa del Rey final would be very important,” he concluded.