Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has openly admitted that his team is on high alert as they prepare to face Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal clash at the Emirates Stadium tonight. Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Monday, the Belgian shot-stopper revealed that the reigning European champions have been diligently working to counter what he described as Arsenal’s “very dangerous” set-piece threat.
Courtois, who recently returned from a spell on the sidelines due to injury, acknowledged the Gunners’ reputation as one of Europe’s most lethal teams from dead-ball situations. “We’ve worked on it,” Courtois said. “We know how we have to try to defend against them. The first thing is not to concede too many corners. It’s a matter of concentration and activation – sometimes the quality of the opponent plays a factor too. If the ball arrives perfectly, it’s difficult to defend. But we are ready to do it.”
Arsenal have built a formidable record under manager Mikel Arteta, scoring 30 goals from set pieces since the start of last season. Despite the absence of key defender Gabriel Magalhaes, sidelined for the remainder of the campaign, the deliveries of players like Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice continue to pose a significant danger. Courtois emphasized that Real Madrid’s preparation has been thorough, with the team focusing on minimizing opportunities for Arsenal to exploit their aerial prowess.
The admission comes at a critical juncture for Real Madrid, who are looking to rebound from a surprise 2-1 defeat to Valencia in La Liga on Saturday – a match in which they conceded yet another goal from a corner, their 10th such concession this season. The loss has left them four points behind league leaders Barcelona, heightening the stakes as they shift focus to the Champions League, a competition they have dominated with six titles in the last 11 seasons.
Courtois, expected to reclaim his spot in goal after missing four of Madrid’s last six matches, expressed confidence in his recovery. “I’m fully fit,” he declared, providing a boost to manager Carlo Ancelotti, who has been grappling with a mounting injury list. While second-choice goalkeeper Andriy Lunin remains sidelined with a muscle injury, Courtois’ return offers stability to a backline missing key defenders like Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao.