Real Madrid rejoice saves like a purpose as Courtois denies Haaland twice
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was in impressed kind as he tried to thwart Manchester City. The Belgian in some way saved out two headers from Erling Haaland in fast succession early on within the second leg of the Champions League semi-final.
City dominated the early levels of the leg following the 1-1 draw on the Bernabeu final week. Pep Guardiola’s facet ultimately took the lead within the twenty fourth minute by a Bernardo Silva strike.
But they so simply may have been forward earlier. Courtois gave the impression to be on a one-man mission to cease the hosts.
The former Chelsea goalkeeper first saved out Haaland from shut vary within the thirteenth minute when he regarded destined to attain. Real reacted on their Twitter account as if they’d scored, tweeting: “THIBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO”.
BT Sport commentator Darren Fletcher couldn’t consider Haaland hadn’t scored. He mentioned: “Oh what a stop! Courtois, and then David Alaba with the clearance.
“How on earth is that not 1-0? Outstanding ball in and I believe everyone contained in the stadium held their breath anticipating Haaland to attain.”
Courtois was back at it less than 10 minutes later. The second save was arguably better, as Haaland headed back across goal only for the goalkeeper to somehow tip it over.
Fletcher commented: “What a save, what a save. That is totally world class by Courtois.”
Real again tweeted about the save in emphatic fashion. The tweet read: “HE DID IT AGAIN, OF COURSE HE DID IT AGAIN.”
Former City defender Joleon Lescott was on co-commentary duty at the Etihad. And he could not believe his old side hadn’t scored.
Lescott said: “I don’t know [how he’s saved it]. The top? The attain? The energy of the arm? Remarkable save. I used to be celebrating, I’m not gonna lie. I used to be celebrating.”
But it was only to remain goalless for a couple more minutes. City grabbed a deserved lead through Silva.
Kevin De Bruyne set the Portugal star up and he gave Courtois the eyes before tucking the ball to his left. City took the lead in the tie for the first time.
Silva then put City into dreamland eight minutes before half-time. His header doubled the lead against a Real side who looked a shadow of themselves and had barely threatened other than Toni Kroos’ long-range effort which came back off the bar.
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