Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has lauded the recent performances of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, describing him as ‘phenomenal’ after Friday night’s win over Deportivo Alaves at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium.
For the fifth consecutive game, Madrid have kept a clean sheet, as they edge closer to clinching the Spanish La Liga title for the third time in nine years.
The Belgium No.1 made four important saves during the 2-0 win over Alaves, with Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio netting to secure the win for Los Blancos, with Zidane praising the shot-stopper.
“He has a very big influence. He is our goalkeeper, what he is doing every game is phenomenal,” Madrid coach Zidane told a news conference, via AS. “It is a matter for everyone when it comes to defending … today, he [Courtois] has been good for us with two or three stops, and then the strength of the entire team. We have to continue like this.”
The win was another of Madrid’s winning streak which saw a penalty awarded to them, with VAR also overturning an offside decision to allow Asensio’s strike as a goal. And Zidane says he is happy to have seen his side won despite the lack of goals.
“I’m not worried because the important thing is to win matches,” he said. “We didn’t score four or five goals, but because there is an opponent who defends. We scored two goals, one very beautiful in play. I am happy and calm with what we are doing.”
Madrid’s next game will be against Granada on Monday, and will play at home to Villarreal and Leganes away to round up their La Liga campaign.
