Champions League

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Champions League | Semi-Finals | 2nd Leg

May 17, 2023 at 8pm UK

Etihad Stadium

Man City
4 - 0
Real Madrid

(Manchester City win 5-1 on aggregate)

Silva (23', 37'), Akanji (76'), Alvarez (90+1')
Dias (50'), Gundogan (62'), Grealish (90+1')

FT(HT: 2-0)

Carvajal (55'), Camavinga (75')

Thibaut Courtois explains why Real Madrid struggled against Manchester City

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 18 May 2023

Courtois explains why Real Madrid struggled against Man City

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois opens up on his team's difficulties in Wednesday's 4-0 loss to Manchester City in the Champions League.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has said that a number of mistakes in all areas of the field cost his side in Wednesday's Champions League semi-final second leg with Manchester City.

The two teams were level at 1-1 entering the clash at the Etihad Stadium, but Man City proved to be far too strong in the reverse fixture, running out 4-0 winners to secure a 5-1 aggregate success.

Bernardo Silva scored twice in the first half before Manuel Akanji made it 3-0 in the 76th minute.

Julian Alvarez then added gloss to the scoreline in second-half stoppage time to cap a miserable night for Real Madrid, who will finish the 2022-23 campaign with just the Copa del Rey trophy.

Courtois also made four saves on the night, including two excellent stops in the first half to deny Erling Braut Haaland, and the Belgium international opened up on his team's struggles after the match.

Thibaut Courtois in action for Real Madrid on August 10, 2022 © Reuters

"They really pressed us high from the start, not letting us play the ball out and they pressured with a lot of players so we were penned back in our area," the goalkeeper told reporters.

"We dealt with it pretty well early on but we didn't manage to impose ourselves, create chances or cause them any problems. They were very comfortable and they got the goal. We struggled to get into the game.

"If [Toni] Kroos' shot had gone in, perhaps it would have altered the course of the game. Their second goal came after an unfortunate rebound and those kind of things have gone against us this year. We started pretty well after half-time but we struggled to create chances today and we didn't pass the ball cleanly.

"We'll have to watch it back because it's not easy to see the game from the goal line. We took a while to make any fouls, the second balls all fell to them and we missed a lot of easy passes. Anyway, it's not easy to hurt them if we spend the whole time chasing the ball.

Manchester City's John Stones in action with Real Madrid's Luka Modric on May 17, 2023 © Reuters

"We had to win the ball back more quickly and stream forward because they always had seven or eight guys in our half but we just didn't manage to do it.

"The way we lost is the worst thing. You can lose a game in extra time or on penalties, 2-1 or 1-0. That can hurt if you've given your all on the pitch. But it's a very heavy defeat. We have to be proud of the way we've come this far.

"It's tough to fall short just before the final, but we lost to a great team. In the English League, they are unstoppable. This wasn't our best game and if we're not at our best this happens."

Real Madrid will now switch their attention back to La Liga, preparing to face Valencia, Rayo Vallecano, Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao in their final four league games of the season.

Carlo Ancelotti's side are currently second in the table, two points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid and 14 behind Barcelona, who won the title last weekend by beating Espanyol.