Courtois' Brilliant Performance Failed To Save Real Madrid From Defeat Against Liverpool

JAKARTA - Thibaut Courtois admitted his brilliant first-half save from Dominik Szoboszlai was in vain as Real Madrid lost 0-1 to Liverpool on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, early morning WIB, at Anfield.

Courtois made a total of eight saves at Anfield, with the highlight coming in the 27th minute, when the goalkeeper denied Szoboszlai in a one-on-one situation from close range.

This result was Real Madrid's first defeat in the Champions League this season after starting the European tournament with three wins. Next up are a trip to Olympiacos and a home match against Manchester City.

"You have to fill the space. Szoboszlai was alone. If I stayed on the goal line, it would have been almost a penalty, impossible to stop."

"I wanted to try a cross, but it was too dangerous. I'm two meters tall, my arms are long, I gave everything for it. I made myself big."

"It wasn't a save straight out of the goalkeeper's playbook, but it worked," Courtois told Movistar, when asked about his save from Szoboszlai.

Courtois admitted that Real Madrid were a little lacking in the final third and conceded too many goals at Anfield.

Los Blancos only recorded an expected goals ratio of 0.45, compared to Liverpool's 2.58.

"We had less possession in the second half. That's where we have to improve away from home, against good teams. We can play better."

"These matches are decided by details, and that's what happened. We have to stay calm, we're fine."

"If we win at Olympiacos, we're still in a good position to qualify for the last eight," Courtois said.

Real Madrid beat Barcelona in El Clasico last month, but have now lost to Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, and now Xabi Alonso's Liverpool.

"There are different ways to lose. Today's game was very different from the one at the Metropolitano (losing 2-5 to Atletico Madrid)."

"Today we gave everything, competed, and our attitude was good. We still lack a few things that need to be improved," said Alonso.

Alonso further denied that he saw a lack of intensity from his team.

"No, I don't think so. I think we competed well. Thibaut kept us in the game, the goal gave them the advantage, but I can't criticize the team."

"We go home with a bad taste in our mouths after this defeat, but we have to keep going," said the Spanish coach.

Meanwhile, midfielder Jude Bellingham agreed that Liverpool deserved the three points. However, he refused to give up, considering Real Madrid were better than last season.

"I think (Liverpool) were a little bit superior. They played better in the second half. They were very dangerous from set pieces."

"It's still early in the season. We were much worse last year (in the Champions League) and we managed to qualify. We can't let this ruin what we've done," said Jude Bellingham.