Real Madrid superstar reflects on UCL exit after Arsenal loss – ‘We need to play more like a team’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League after a tough 1-2 home defeat to Arsenal at the Santiago Bernabeu in the second leg of the quarter-final.

Having lost 3-0 in the first leg at the Emirates, Los Blancos dreamed of pulling off a stunning comeback in their own backyard but did not have the conviction needed on the field to turn things around.

As such, a 5-1 aggregate loss sees Real Madrid get dumped out of Europe’s premier competition, inviting more pressure on manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Courtois critical after defeat

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who saved a penalty but could not prevent his team from crashing out, did not hold back in the aftermath.

The Belgian shot-stopper called for reflection and highlighted key issues that may have contributed to the team’s downfall.

“Perhaps at times, we need to be self-critical and take a proper look at everything. I feel we are a team, but sometimes we need to play more like a team and not so individually,” Courtois said.

Courtois saved a penalty but could not help Real Madrid win. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“If they double up on Vini or Kylian, it might work once, but not always. We need to look at everything and be honest with ourselves. Then move forward.”

Courtois also praised Arsenal’s performance, noting: “They are a team that defends well and presses well. It is hard to find gaps. Maybe with long-range shots or some crosses… But this year we do not have a Joselu, a natural striker.

“There is still a lot of the season left – La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the Club World Cup. We need to keep pushing forward. We must thank the fans. The atmosphere was beautiful.”

The Real Madrid shot-stopper also stressed how difficult it was to break down Arsenal’s defence, saying:

“They are very strong defensively. It was really hard to create danger. I felt that if we scored after the break, we could get back into it… but then they scored.

“We got one back and kept believing… but it was not enough. Raya did not even need to make any spectacular saves. That sums up the tie.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo