Thibaut Courtois cut a reflective yet defiant figure after Real Madrid’s narrow defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final, insisting the performance showed a team still capable of fighting on multiple fronts this season.
Although the loss to their bitter rivals stung deeply, the Belgian goalkeeper stressed that Madrid’s response in the second half underlined their resilience.
According to Courtois, the balance of the game swung in Los Blancos’ favour after halftime, even if the scoreboard failed to reflect it.
“We played a good match, especially in the second half, and it’s never pleasant to lose a final against your rival,” the goalkeeper said.
Despite the disappointment, Courtois was quick to point toward the road ahead, urging focus as Madrid prepare for a packed schedule that includes the Copa del Rey and La Liga.
“We’re sad today, and tomorrow we’ll have to work for Wednesday’s Copa del Rey match, for La Liga, and move on.
“Above all, we deserved to win in the second half, but the details went against us today.”
He added: “In recent months, we’ve been in a period where things haven’t gone as they should, and that’s the reality.
“Today we showed that we’re a team that can still fight, especially in the second half, and we could easily have won.
“In the first half, perhaps we were too defensive.”
Once Madrid stepped up the tempo, the dynamic shifted, with fatigue beginning to show in the opposition: a factor Courtois linked to the demanding conditions.
“In the second half, we showed more attacking intent, and they tired, which is normal because it was very hot.
“We had chances, but they just wouldn’t go in. They all ended up in Joan’s hands, and that pretty much sums up today’s match.
“We have to keep fighting. With the attitude we showed today and the other day, I’m sure we’ll win something.”
For Real Madrid, the Super Cup setback may hurt, but as Courtois made clear, the season’s race is far from over and the next whistle is already in sight.
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