Set Piece Preparations Highlighted by Courtois

As Real Madrid gears up for the Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Arsenal, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has emphasized the team’s commitment to addressing their difficulties with set pieces. Madrid recently conceded their tenth goal from corners this season in a match against Valencia, which raises concerns considering Arsenal’s prowess in this area.

Arsenal’s Threat from Set Pieces

Under manager Mikel Arteta, Arsenal has become known for their effectiveness at scoring from set pieces, having netted 31 goals from such opportunities since the beginning of last season. This statistic places them among the best in Europe’s top five leagues, second only to Bayer Leverkusen.

Despite the absence of key defender Gabriel Magalhaes for the remainder of the season, Arsenal’s attacking options remain robust, particularly through the set piece deliveries of Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice. Courtois acknowledged their threat, warning of Arsenal’s ability to decide games solely through set pieces.

Defensive Strategies of Real Madrid

Courtois mentioned that the team has focused on improving their defense against set pieces in training, highlighting that a lack of concentration could lead to giving away unnecessary corners. He stated, “We cannot give away too many corners. It’s a question of concentration. Sometimes the quality of the rival can cause us problems.” The goalkeeper assured fans that Madrid is prepared to face Arsenal’s challenges during dead ball situations.

In discussing the team’s defensive approach, he added, “We tend to defend in zonal systems with blocks, some go man to man. Sometimes you have to use your intuition to know which post it’s going to.” Courtois is confident that they can counter Arsenal’s tactics effectively.

Madrid’s Offensive Capacities Under Scrutiny

Coach Carlo Ancelotti also expressed his confidence in Madrid’s ability to capitalize on set pieces, drawing attention to their recent goal-scoring success, particularly during a recent 4-4 draw against Real Sociedad. He remarked, “They are really strong and dangerous in this situation,” reiterating that creating goal-scoring opportunities from free kicks and corners is equally vital for Madrid.

Vinicius’s Penalty Challenges

Ancelotti addressed the concerns surrounding Vinicius Jr.’s recent struggles with penalties. Despite missing a penalty in their last match, the coach remains optimistic, stating, “He’s a young lad, he’s going to have a great game tomorrow.” The role of penalty taker remains under consideration as the team seeks to optimize its performance in such high-stakes situations.

Experience in Champions League Pressure

The match against Arsenal represents a clash between the most storied club in Champions League history and a team striving to reestablish itself among Europe’s elite. Having faced Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals last season, Arsenal thoroughly understands the pressure of this stage.

Ancelotti highlighted the importance of experience in the Champions League, stating, “Experience means you are not afraid to play this kind of game that puts a lot of pressure on you.” The manager’s belief in his players’ experience is critical as they prepare for this significant encounter.