Courtois, Valverde praise Real Madrid superstar after 3-0 win vs Athletic – ‘He’s on another level’

Real Madrid returned to winning ways in La Liga after three games without a victory as they defeated Athletic Club 3-0 at San Mames on Wednesday.

Kylian Mbappe led the charge once again for Real Madrid, scoring a brace and assisting Eduardo Camavinga’s goal, to take his team back to within one point of league leaders FC Barcelona.

Courtois feels lucky not to be facing Mbappe

Speaking to the club media after the game, Real Madrid star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who himself made a couple of brilliant saves, heaped praise on Mbappe, calling the Frenchman ‘unstoppable’.

“He’s unstoppable. There was a moment in the game when I thought how lucky I am that he plays for my team and I don’t have to face him, except with France. He’s on another level and we really enjoy his play and contribution. May he continue like this,” he said.

Discussing the team’s performance on the night, the Belgian added: “It was a very important game and a difficult ground. It was important to win after our run of draws, and we achieved it through teamwork, good pressing, and intensity from the start.

“We’ve improved in every aspect: intensity and play. In Girona, especially in the first half, we lacked intensity both in attack and defence. We can’t compare the matches because Athletic plays quite openly, but we did very well.”

Talking about his two excellent stops at crucial points in the game, Courtois noted: “These are important moments when the team needs me and I’m happy to do it, especially the second one.

“It was a good reading of the play because I saw the ball coming towards Berenguer, I closed down the space and got a strong hand to it.”

Finally, discussing the move leading up to the eye-catching team goal that Real Madrid scored to make it 2-0, Courtois remarked:

“It was a counter-attack against their pressure. I don’t know if I started the play, and that’s what we’ve been lacking lately. It was a good ball from Trent, we moved forward, and then it was a good cross from Trent.

“A good header from Kylian , who surprised me with his header, and Camavinga finished it off. That’s what we need: people in the box. When the midfielders get there, it’s important.”

Valverde also hails Mbappe

Valverde was full of praise for Mbappe. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Federico Valverde, who captained the team against Athletic Club, was also full of praise for Kylian Mbappe.

“It’s key that a player of his caliber can, almost every time he touches the ball, end the play with a goal. It motivates us; it’s reassuring to have him up front, linking up and working with the team,” Valverde told club media.

We know everything he can contribute in attack, all the goals, but it’s always good to see them defend against him and Vini Jr. the way they have.”

Regarding the team’s overall performance on the night, the captain noted: “The best thing was our work throughout the ninety minutes. For several matches now, we’ve struggled to stay focused, conceding goals very early on.

“Today, we made something very clear in the dressing room: we had to try to change that and go out there pressing and scoring first, to have peace of mind.”

“We played spectacularly. The whole team worked very well defensively. We were also very good in attack. We have key players who almost always end up scoring with every ball they touch. We are happy with the victory, and I am happy to be part of this team.”

On what it felt like to captain the team at San Mames, Valverde commented: “It’s an honour to defend this badge every day and a source of pride to have the teammates I have, who are always supporting me.

“For me, it’s a pleasure to keep playing here, keep winning, and keep improving as a team.”

Talking about his own situation, the Uruguayan international said: “I try to enjoy every day and give my best every time I get the chance to play. The last few matches have been tough for me mentally, not being able to perform like I had been for so long.

“But that’s my responsibility. I try to give 100% in training and on the pitch. I’m always grateful for the support of my teammates. They’re always there to help me and make me smile. And I’m also grateful to the coaching staff, who are the ones who believe in me.”

Concluding, Valverde welcomed the fact that Real Madrid will now return to the Santiago Bernabeu again after a tough run of away matches, saying:

“We are very eager and excited after so many away games. It is a pleasure and an honor to continue representing this badge. Returning to the Bernabéu is a huge joy. Hopefully, we can get another victory with our fans.”