As anticipation builds for the blockbuster Champions League quarterfinal between Real Madrid and Arsenal, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois revealed that Los Blancos have been preparing specifically to counter Arsenal’s dangerous set piece routines. The two European giants are set to meet at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday for their first encounter in 19 years.
Courtois, speaking at a pre-match press conference on Monday, acknowledged the Gunners’ efficiency from dead ball situations—an area where Madrid have shown vulnerability this season.
“We worked on it yesterday,” Courtois confirmed. “We know how we have to try to defend against them. The first thing is not conceding many corners. Then it’s about concentration, being active. Sometimes it’s about the quality of the opponent. If the ball is delivered perfectly, you can be well positioned, but it’s still hard to defend.”
Real Madrid, who have clinched the Champions League title six times in the last 11 years, enter the match with an edge in European experience. Arsenal, by contrast, are still chasing their first title in the competition, though Courtois was quick to praise Mikel Arteta’s side.
“We have a lot of respect for Arsenal,” he said. “I have a lot of friends who are Arsenal fans. I know they’ve been doing great in the Premier League. They’re a young team, a strong defence, on the counter and set pieces. I think Arsenal are doing great. It’s a matter of time before they win a trophy.”
Both teams sit second in their respective domestic leagues, with Madrid trailing Barcelona by four points in LaLiga, and Arsenal 11 points behind Liverpool in the Premier League. Despite their contrasting Champions League histories, Tuesday’s tie promises to be a closely fought contest.
Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti, meanwhile, expressed full confidence in star forward Vinícius Júnior, who faced criticism after missing a penalty and being whistled by fans during Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Valencia.
“I haven’t spoken with him, I don’t need to,” Ancelotti said. “I know he could have played better, but when he thinks he hasn’t played well, he does very well in the next game. I’m convinced he’ll have a good game tomorrow.”
Ancelotti also praised Arteta’s managerial impact at Arsenal, noting, “In five years he’s taken this team to the top in Europe. He’s built a complete team, and there aren’t many in Europe like them.”
With respect high on both sides and tactical preparation in full swing, all eyes turn to North London for what promises to be an enthralling European showdown.
