Courtois Sounds the Alarm: Real Madrid Must Improve in Key Areas After Al Hilal Stalemate
After Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Al Hilal in their opening FIFA Club World Cup match, veteran goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois didn’t mince words about the team’s shortcomings.
The Belgian shot-stopper, known for his honesty and high standards, highlighted three key areas where Los Blancos must improve if they hope to lift the trophy:
🔹 Discipline in Defense – “We committed a stupid penalty,” Courtois admitted, referring to the foul that allowed Ruben Neves to convert from the spot and equalize.
🔹 Patience in Play – The keeper emphasized the need for composure: “We need to be more patient.”
🔹 Possession Control – “We need to start keeping possession and stop rushing,” he added, clearly frustrated by Madrid’s lack of midfield control and unforced errors.
⚽ Match Recap
Real Madrid Goal: Gonzalo Garcia
Al Hilal Goal: Ruben Neves (penalty)
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, USA
Next Fixture: vs Pachuca on Sunday
🗣️ Opinion – Reality Check for Madrid?
Despite being tournament favorites, Real Madrid’s performance was anything but dominant. Courtois' critique reflects the growing awareness that even elite squads like Madrid are not immune to complacency — especially in global tournaments where rising clubs like Al Hilal no longer fear the badge.
Manager Xabi Alonso, who is still molding his identity into the team, has some thinking to do. Madrid boast quality and depth, but without tactical discipline and control in midfield, even underdogs can expose their vulnerabilities.
🔮 Can Madrid Bounce Back Against Pachuca?
If Madrid hope to win their next tie, Alonso must:
Reinforce midfield patience (perhaps bring in Kroos or Modrić earlier)
Cut down unnecessary tackles in the box
Encourage more calculated buildup play rather than rushed transitions
The Club World Cup is more than a trophy — it’s a statement of global dominance. Madrid still have time, but the world is watching.
📲 Stay with @TalkTalkNigeria for updates on Real Madrid’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign and more global football stories.
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