Thibaut Courtois, the Real Madrid goalkeeper, has showered praise on Liverpool’s star striker Mohamed Salah ahead of their highly anticipated UEFA Champions League encounter at Anfield on Wednesday. In an interview with Real Madrid Play, Courtois acknowledged Salah’s exceptional abilities, stating that the Egyptian winger “makes the difference” for the Reds. Courtois, who has had his fair share of battles with Salah during their time in the Premier League, credited the 32-year-old’s exceptional speed, skill, and goal-scoring abilities. He expressed his admiration for Salah’s capacity to create chances for himself and his teammates, noting that the winger has been “very good” and will require careful attention from Real Madrid’s backline.
Salah has been in scintillating form this season, netting 12 goals in 18 outings across competitions for Liverpool under the guidance of new head coach Arne Slot. The left-footed attacker has also provided 10 assists in 1,439 minutes of first-team action, making him a constant threat to opposing defenses. Courtois acknowledged that the Reds will be keen to avenge their defeat in last year’s Champions League final and their elimination in the 2023 round of 16 by Real Madrid.
Liverpool’s team dynamic under Slot was also touched upon by Courtois, who described them as a “very dynamic, offensive team” that possesses a potent blend of pressure, counter-attacks, and speed up front. He emphasized that the Reds will be a tough opponent to face, especially given their recent performances and the absence of key players for Real Madrid. Courtois expressed his hope that Real Madrid can emerge victorious, as the Reds are seeking revenge for their losses in recent years against Los Merengues.
The Real Madrid goalkeeper also reflected on the prospect of playing at Anfield, emphasizing that the atmosphere and crowd will undoubtedly have an impact on the match. Courtois has played at Anfield several times in his career and knows firsthand the electric atmosphere that the Liverpool fans can create. He expressed his confidence in Real Madrid’s ability to handle the pressure, but acknowledged that playing against such a talented team can be a daunting task.
Ahead of the clash, Real Madrid have been dealt a blow with the news that Vinicius Junior will miss the encounter due to an injury to his left leg. The 24-year-old Brazilian winger has been one of Real Madrid’s most consistent performers this season, netting 12 goals and providing eight assists in 18 overall appearances. He is expected to be sidelined for around a month. Moreover, Real Madrid will also be without five other first-team players, including Rodrygo, Aurelien Tchouameni, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, and David Alaba, who are all recovering from various injuries. The absence of these key players will likely disrupt Real Madrid’s team chemistry and strategy ahead of the crucial encounter.
Courtois’s praise for Salah highlights the palpable excitement and importance of this match, as Real Madrid and Liverpool seek to assert their dominance in the elite European competition. With the two teams boasting a rich history of rivalry, this encounter promises to be an electrifying contest filled with drama, skill, and intensity. The stage is set for a thrilling match that will be discussed and debated for years to come.
