Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has stated that the team is prepared to address their issues with defending set pieces. This is crucial as they face Arsenal, who are known for their dangerous set plays, in the upcoming Champions League quarterfinal first leg on Tuesday.
After conceding their tenth goal from a corner this season in a recent match against Valencia, Real Madrid is particularly aware of Arsenal`s set piece capabilities. Arsenal has scored the second-most goals from set pieces in league games among Europe`s top five leagues since last season, only surpassed by Bayer Leverkusen.
Despite the potential absence of Gabriel Magalhaes, a key player in Arsenal`s set pieces, Real Madrid recognizes the threat posed by Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice`s deliveries. Courtois warned that Arsenal has the ability to win games solely through set pieces.
`Yesterday in training, we focused on defending set pieces,` Courtois mentioned. `We know Arsenal excels in this area, and we need to minimize the number of corners we concede. It`s about maintaining concentration and recognizing the quality of our opponents, who are very well-positioned. We believe we`ve prepared effectively to counter this.`
Courtois added, `Our defensive strategy for set pieces involves zonal marking with some players assigned to man-to-man marking. Intuition plays a role in anticipating ball placement, and we`re aware Arsenal might try to block me, which we`ll対策 against.`
`You can`t expect fouls to be called in your favor; you have to defend set pieces properly. They are capable of winning a match through these situations.`
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti echoed this sentiment, pointing out that Real Madrid is also proficient at scoring from set pieces. He noted that they scored twice from set pieces in a draw against Real Sociedad, and Vinicius Jr. also scored from one against Valencia.
Ancelotti said, `Arsenal is very strong and dangerous in set piece situations. We are focused on defending them as effectively as possible. However, we also aim to create danger from our own set pieces. This aspect of the game is crucial, alongside everything else.`
In addition to Arsenal`s set pieces, the Madrid press has also been discussing Real Madrid`s penalty taking. Vinicius Jr. recently missed a penalty, adding to an earlier miss against Jan Oblak. Ancelotti acknowledged that the team`s penalty taker role is under review but expressed confidence in Vinicius`s ability to recover.
`I haven`t spoken with him, and I don`t think it`s necessary,` Ancelotti stated. `He could have performed better in the last game, but I don`t need to discuss it with him. He`s young and I expect him to have a great game tomorrow.`
This Champions League quarterfinal is significant as it pits the most successful team in the competition against a team striving to re-establish itself at this level. Arsenal`s quarterfinal appearance last season against Bayern Munich was their first in 14 years. Real Madrid, with 15 titles, are the most decorated club in the Champions League, and players like Dani Carvajal and Luka Modric, along with coach Ancelotti, boast extensive experience and success in the tournament.
Ancelotti emphasized the importance of experience in the Champions League, stating, `Experience in this competition is extremely valuable. It means players are not intimidated by high-pressure matches like this. These are direct knockout games with immense pressure. Having experienced players provides the team with greater confidence.`
