It might’ve been Rodrygo Goes who got the only goal of the game, but Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was just as vital to Los Blancos getting their Champions League campaign off to a winning start against Inter.
The Belgian made four vital stops to keep Simone Inzaghi‘s men at bay, as he ultimately gave his teammates the platform to take all three points.
Carlo Ancelotti might’ve changed some things up since returning to the Real Madrid dugout in place of Zinedine Zidane, but Courtois‘ position as the pillar of this side won’t be one of them.
The last of Courtois‘ saves on Wednesday night at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza – in the 53rd minute from Milan Skriniar – was perhaps the best, throwing out a hand to stop the centre-back’s header when some in the crowd were already celebrating.
His first stop of the night was no less impressive either, keeping out Edin Dzeko in just the eighth minute as the Nerazzurri unleashed a fierce early onslaught.
The ex-Chelsea gloveman saved again from Dzeko and from Lautaro Martinez as Real Madrid struggled to cope with wave after wave of attacks.
Courtois was less involved in the second half as Real Madrid began to dominate their opponents, but he nonetheless kept his composure when called upon to sweep up or distribute.
At just 29 years old, Real Madrid have a world-class ‘keeper on their hands for years to come.
At least until 2026 anyway, with the Belgian’s contract having been renewed in the summer.
There were some tricky moments in his early days at the club when Courtois competed with Keylor Navas, but since the Costa Rican departed there have been few doubts.
And Courtois‘ display at the Meazza confirmed that even further.
