)
Alonso hailed Courtois in Real Madrid win against Dortmund.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso praised goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois's pivotal role in their dramatic 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday night, a win that secured their place in the Club World Cup semi-finals.
)
Real Madrid had seemingly been in control for much of the game, taking a 2-0 lead with goals from Gonzalo Garcia and Fran Garcia in the first 20 minutes.
However, the final stages of the match at MetLife Stadium descended into chaos. Dortmund mounted a dramatic late comeback, with Maximilian Beier pulling one back in the 93rd minute.
)
09:08 - 05.07.2025
Rodrigo set to leave Real Madrid, Arsenal favorites for Brazilian's signature
Real Madrid star Rodrigo is set to leave Santiago Bernabéu this summer following the arrival of Xabi Alonso.
Though Kylian Mbappé swiftly restored Real's two-goal cushion with a sensational overhead kick, a red card for Dean Huijsen and a subsequent penalty converted by Serhou Guirassy made it 3-2.
In the final seconds of stoppage time, Courtois produced a stunning, fingertips save to deny Marcel Sabitzer a potential equaliser, ensuring Real Madrid's passage.
What Alonso said
Alonso described Courtois as one of those rare players who "wins games" for his side, highlighting a crucial, match-winning save in the dying moments.
)
09:55 - 03.07.2025
'Reminds me of Raúl' - Club World Cup unearth Real Madrid's new star Gonzalo García
An unexpected hero has emerged at Real Madrid. At the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, manager Xabi Alonso started striker Gonzalo García in all four matches, despite the 21-year-old having limited first-team appearances in the 2024/25 season.
Speaking to the media after the hard-fought quarter-final clash, Alonso expressed relief and admiration for his Belgian shot-stopper.
He said, "I thought we’re very lucky to have Courtois in goal. He’s one of those who wins games, he’s a great influence, and we can trust him.
Reflecting on the rollercoaster nature of the match, Alonso admitted that the game became "unsettled" in the final minutes.
)
10:56 - 02.07.2025
His trade mark - Alonso praises Alexander-Arnold assist against Juventus
Alonso has reflected on Real Madrid's Club World Cup win against Juventus
"We controlled the game well until the 80th minute. Some phases with the ball, others without, but controlling the space. And at times we had a chance to score the third, until it got unsettled. Too much happened in a short time,” he added.
Real Madrid will now face European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)