Real Madrid News
Courtois talks Hazard, Benzema, Celtic Park atmosphere after Real Madrid win 3-0 in UCL
Real Madrid kickstarted the defence of their UEFA Champions League crown in a perfect manner as they defeated Scottish champions Celtic 3-0 at Parkhead in a Group F encounter.
After a tight first half when the hosts put up a solid fight, Real Madrid turned it up a notch after the break as goals from Vinicius Junior, Luka Modric and Eden Hazard ensured that Carlo Ancelotti’s side picked up all three points on Tuesday night.
The only disappointment on the night for Los Blancos was the injury to club captain and main striker Karim Benzema, who had to be taken off just half an hour into the game.
Speaking about the same after the game, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said: “We don’t know anything about Benzema’s injury. After one corner, I passed the ball to him and he was struggling with his knee.
“Benzema never takes risks with injuries. If he feels uncomfortable, he asks to get subbed off immediately. We hope the injury is nothing serious.”
The Belgian international was also full of praise for his compatriot Eden Hazard, who took his chance after replacing Benzema and capped off a fine display with a goal.
“Hazard showed that he can be relied on and deserves to play,” Courtois said. “Hazard is a very important player to us. After his penalty miss vs Celta, he did not play very much but he changed the game vs Celtic and had a fantastic performance.”
Talking about the team’s performance on the night, Courtois added: “The first half was tough going, they made a very strong start and there was an amazing atmosphere inside here.
“Within the first couple of minutes, they’d already had two corners, a shot that Militão or the post got in the way of to save us.”
On the turnaround after half-time, he said: “We then began to find our tempo and worked out how best to handle them and we improved as the minutes ticked by. We dominated things in the second half. It was a deserved win. Had they scored early on, it would have been more of a struggle for us.”
Courtois was also full of praise for the atmosphere created by the home fans at Celtic Park on the night, as he said: “It’s a stadium I love coming to. On Matchday 1 of the Champions League, it’s been a fantastic atmosphere, always positive and getting behind their team. They applauded us as well.
“That’s the beauty of football. It’s a pleasure to have played here and to be coming away with the win.”
Source: Real Madrid official website
Real Madrid have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
David Russell
September 7, 2022 at 3:46 pm
In Elite European games Chances Must be taken,when playing thee Best Team on the Planet.
Celtic had two good chances in 1st half, but alas, it wasn’t to be. Kudos to Real for their 2nd half performance.
Celtic will bounce back. These young players can/will improve.hh🍀
Scott Brown
September 7, 2022 at 6:06 pm
Well said keeper what a 1st half performance by celtic ,but when modric came on to his game real were outstanding, just wish callam the captains shot hit the post I was gutted aweel real deserved it in the end up,HH YNWA
Tommy Kennedy
September 8, 2022 at 8:51 am
It was a joy to be at CELTIC PARK and welcome REAL MADRID and we competed well until we tired and the SUPERSTARS picked us off but it was still a pleasure.