The Secret Behind The Success Of Courtois, Who Warded Off Atletico's Penalty

Thibaut Courtois (Twitter @thibautcourtois)

JAKARTA - Real Madrid won the Supercopa de Espana trophy after defeating Atletico Madrid in the final which took place in Saudi Arabia, Sunday, January 12 local time. Thibaut Courtois became one of the heroes of Los Blancos in this match.

The two city rivals drew 0-0 for 120 minutes of play at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Saudi Arabia. The Belgium international goalkeeper made incredible saves from Alvaro Morata and Joao Felix in normal time.

The former Chelsea player has become a vital figure in extra time. After his partner Federico Valverde was awarded a red card, he thwarted Kieran Trippier and Angel Correa's chances, before the shootout.

And Courtois was once again the hero, when he saved from Thomas Partey's penalty - after Saul Niguez's shot hit the post. Meanwhile, Real Madrid managed to convert all four of their penalties.

"I saw their previous penalty on the bench with the coaching staff," he told reporters from Marca in a post-match interview.

😃💬 ¡Las palabras de @thibautcourtois nada más proclamarnos Supercampeones de España! #RMSuperCopa | #Supercampeones pic.twitter.com/Hrugj0KT3p

- Real Madrid CF⚽ (@realmadrid) January 12, 2020

"Saul surprised me a little with his penalty, but I know where Thomas will direct the ball," Courtois added.

The goalkeeper, who used to be an Atleti shirt in the 2011-2014 period, admitted that Partey's shot was still difficult to beat. You see, he kicked the ball hard. But he was glad he finally got away with the kick.

"It's a clean sheet for me, and we deserved to win with the confidence we showed in the shootout."

The Supercopa de Espana victory was Courtois' first domestic title with Real Madrid, since his move from Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2018. This was the goalkeeper's second title in all competitions after winning the FIFA Club World Cup in the same year.

Real Madrid will return to action when they return to Spain in La Liga. Los Merengues will face a difficult match against Sevilla this weekend.