Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, speaking about potential opponents ahead of the Champions League Round of 16, once again conveyed that there is no easy task for the team. After Real Madrid defeated Benfica 2-1 and advanced to the next round with a 3-1 aggregate score, it became clear that either Sporting or Manchester City remained potential rivals for the Madrid side.
Courtois also described Sporting as a serious, respectable, and unyielding opponent. He recalled playing for Chelsea against the Lisbon side in 2015, expressing a warm opinion about the atmosphere of the club's stadium and the level of the opponent. From the goalkeeper's words, it is clear that he considers "Sporting" not just a "favorable option," but a serious team that is still showing good results in their championship. Among the possible 1/8 finals pairs, Real Madrid's match against either Sporting or City has been confirmed through a predetermined doubles format.
Nevertheless, the Belgian goalkeeper's most interesting point was at a different point. He emphasized that almost everyone inside Real Madrid is waiting for Manchester City to be drawn again. There is both a joke and a bitter truth in this statement. Because in recent years, these two European giants have clashed many times. Various sources cite Courtois's thoughts that "everyone knows, the City will probably fall again."
Indeed, the Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City has become one of the biggest posters of recent seasons. Therefore, Courtois's idea is not unfamiliar to fans: on the one hand, everyone wants to see a new opponent and a new scenario; on the other hand, if the draw brings these two clubs together again, it won't surprise anyone.
In short, Courtois, in his own words, made two things clear at the same time: you can't disregard Sporting, but Real Madrid's gut feeling seems to be waiting for another big fight against Manchester City. Now all questions will be answered at the draw ceremony in Non on February 27. It will begin at 4:00 PM Uzbekistan time.
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