Carlo Ancelotti, the Real Madrid coach, informed Thibaut Courtois that he would take him to the Champions League final if he wanted to win it.
On Saturday, the goalie did exactly that, making incredible save after incredible save to help the Spanish club win a record-tying 14th European Cup.
To push the ball onto the post, he made a superb touch with his fingertips. Then, to close a space, a difficult block with his left leg. And a brilliant close-range deflection with his right arm to avoid a certain goal.Courtois was instrumental in Real Madrid's 1-0 victory over Liverpool in suburban Paris, clinching his first Champions League trophy.
"No one was going to take away my passion to win the Champions League today," Courtois, who was selected man of the match, stated. "I was prepared to go to any length to win."
Sadio Mane's effort from within the area was deflected to the post and then quickly recovered to cover the ball in the first half. It seems that the one with his leg to prevent Mohamed Salah from scoring from a difficult angle was equally difficult. But it was in the 81st minute when he blocked Salah's close-range attempt with a quick response to extend his right arm and throw the ball wide.
Courtois stated that the stop he made on Mane's shot was his finest.
"I had to stretch for it and get enough on it to throw it onto the post and know where the ball was going to rebound," said Courtois, who is 30 years old. "It's been amazing." I can't believe what I'm hearing."
After the game, Ancelotti stated that he had made a deal with the goalkeeper.
"I told Courtois that I would get him to the final, but he had to go and win it," Ancelotti, who won a record fourth European title, stated.
Courtois joined Madrid from Chelsea after the Spanish team won three consecutive European club titles from 2016 to 2018. Prior to that, he was a goalkeeper for Atlético Madrid, when he lost the 2014 Champions League final to Real Madrid.
"Courtois has had an outstanding season," remarked Madrid President Florentino Pérez. "He is, in my opinion, the best goalie in the world, which is why we got him here."
In 13 Champions League games, the Belgian goalkeeper made 61 saves, a record in the competition.
Karim Benzema, a Madrid striker, described him as "unbelievable." "Three or four saves from him handed us the title." That's it. Congratulations to him; he's been amazing all year and he's proven it yet again."
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