Real Madrid News
Courtois, Vazquez react after RB Leipzig 3-2 Real Madrid: “We went on the pitch asleep”
RB Leipzig snatched a memorable win over Real Madrid at their home stadium on Tuesday night to throw Group F back into life. Three teams now fight for qualification, and while Real Madrid are guaranteed a spot in the next round, they are yet to seal the top spot.
Thibaut Courtois spoke to the press after the team’s 3-2 defeat and did not hold back on criticising the team’s performance. He pointed out the flaws in their display, specifically singling out their lack of intensity and control on the night.
“We went out on the pitch asleep, without intensity or aggression. We have failed many passes, controls and it has not been a good game,” he said (h/t Realmadrid.com).
He then lashed out at his teammates for not showing enough intensity at the RB Arena.
“As a goalkeeper, I noticed we were not in the game, we lost many duels due to lack of intensity. There are other players on the bench if you can’t do more.”
Finally, the Yashin Trophy winner named the one factor that helped Leipzig get all three points against Real Madrid.
“Leipzig’s players were faster in the counterattacks. If we were more precise we could get into the game but it didn’t happen. Our defence wasn’t good.”
Lucas Vazquez also talked to the media after the game but was more diplomatic in his response when asked about the opposition’s performance.
“Leipzig at home are very intense in the first half. This is the Champions League, the best teams are here,” he said (h/t Madrid Zone).
Finally, the right-back added that the final blow by Timo Werner took the steam out of Los Blancos’ engine and sealed the game for the Germans.
“We conceded two goals & it became complicated. In the second half, we came out wanting to equalize, but they made it 3-1 & made it impossible to return.”
As Real Madrid look to restart the campaign following the end of the international break, all focus will be on the upcoming El Clasico in Copa del Rey on April 5.
However, before they take on their arch-rivals for a fourth time this year, Real Madrid must see off the challenge from Real Valladolid in La Liga on Sunday.
Given Barcelona’s 12-point advantage at the top of the table, La Liga appears to be a lost cause for Real Madrid right now. But that is no excuse for Carlo Ancelotti’s men to appear complacent, as they look to push for a late title charge.
However, heading into this contest, three Real Madrid players proceed with caution as they are running the risk of missing out on the next league game against Villarreal due to yellow cards.
The three players in question are Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Carvajal, and Dani Ceballos. All three of these players have picked up four yellow cards in La Liga this term. Therefore, picking up another booking against Valladolid will rule them out in the next game.
Camavinga, in particular, has been a vital part of the Real Madrid squad since the turn of the year, impressing onlookers with his performances and versatility.
Carvajal, too, is a critical option at right-back and his experience could go a long way in helping Real Madrid end the league campaign on a positive note. Not to mention, the club lack the services of a reliable alternative, which has led to links with Reece James this coming summer.
Ceballos, on the other hand, has been one of the emerging stars this year. The midfielder’s performances have been excellent lately, and he would not want to lose any momentum by picking up a suspension ahead of the important Villarreal game next week.
