Real Madrid veteran issues apology after humiliating defeat to PSG – ‘They smothered us
Thibaut Courtois did not hold back after Real Madrid’s shocking 0-4 loss to PSG in the Club World Cup semi-final.
Speaking with honesty and emotion, the Belgian goalkeeper admitted the team was far from their best and apologised to the fans. "It was a huge blow, and we’re sorry," Courtois said. "But it is something we will learn from."
From the start, PSG were dominant. Courtois explained that Real Madrid tried to come out strong, but PSG’s intense pressing quickly shut them down.
"They smothered us early. We couldn’t find space to move the ball. We tried, but two early mistakes cost us the game."
Despite making key saves, Courtois said the difference in how both teams pressed was crucial.
"Their pressing was sharp and coordinated. Ours wasn’t. That gave them space, and they punished us. Even when we had more of the ball in the second half, we didn’t cause them problems."
Two early goals, one involving Raul Asencio and another with Antonio Rüdiger, put Madrid in a tough spot.
Courtois didn’t point fingers but acknowledged the mistakes. "It’s tough for Raul and Rudiger. But this is football. Mistakes happen. It’s a team game. What matters is that we learn and correct them."
He also spoke about the tactical struggles, especially in pressing. "When I watch the game again, I see we gave Hakimi too much space. We weren’t pressing well as a unit, and that hurt us."
Courtois praised Ousmane Dembele’s performance but didn’t shy away from pointing out how the Frenchman’s pressure made life harder for Madrid’s defenders.
"I told him after the game that he presses non-stop. It gives you no time to think. That’s what we need to improve as a team – press better together. Today, it just wasn’t there."
While the defeat stings, Courtois believes it’s a wake-up call. The message is clear that Real Madrid must respond, regroup, and raise their standards again.