Courtois, Jacobo react after Real Madrid 2-1 Mallorca – ‘Our fight has not been easy’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid secured three more points in their La Liga campaign last night with a win over Mallorca but the result was far from clear until the very end.

Los Blancos were trailing early in the game but Kylian Mbappe helped them level the score. The game appeared set to end in a draw, but young Jacobo Ramon had other plans and scored a last-minute winner to guarantee the three points.

Thibaut Courtois, as usual, was at his very best and formed one of the pillars of the team’s win over Jagoba Arrasate’s side.

Courtois shares his thoughts

Speaking to the media after his 200th La Liga game in a Real Madrid shirt, superstar Thibaut Courtois spoke on how the milestone came slightly late after his injury last season.

“I would like to have more games, but I lost some due to last year’s injury. I’m proud to reach this figure. Since I was a child I have been dreaming of being a Real Madrid goalkeeper.

Thibaut Courtois played his 200th La Liga game. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“Reaching that number in the League is very nice, with many trophies. This season has not been the best in terms of trophies, but we continue working. I am very excited to continue defending this shield for many more parties,” he added on the current season.

Speaking on the game that unfolded against Mallorca and how it was anything but easy, the Belgian goalkeeper said,

“The first half has been a bit in line with the season. A little bad luck and they score a goal without doing much. We have had many chances and it has been a little difficult for us to score the goal.”

On how the game eventually ended with his massive save and Jacobo’s last-gasp winner, Courtois said

“They had the 1-2 in a 1v1 that I saved, but we have continued to believe and fight. What better than an assist from Vallejo and a goal from Jacobo.”

On title race

Speaking on the implications of the result on the league title race and whether Los Blancos still had a chance, the goalkeeper refused to concede defeat until Barcelona mathematically won the competition.

“It’s very nice because we are who we are and, after a great effort on Sunday and with many casualties, continuing to fight after a long season is not easy. We have believed.

Real Madrid denied Barcelona early title celebration. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

“This shield always asks us to fight until the end. Although the distance with Barcelona is great, we will believe until it is not mathematically possible,” he added.

Elaborating on Jacobo’s goal which eventually gave Real Madrid three points in the final minute of action, Courtois said,

“Jacobo has had bad luck with the two games he played against Leganés and Celta. He continues to work hard and today I have seen him with great ease and confidence.”

“He did very well, the whole game was close to finishing some balls. That he put one in just at the very. It is very nice for the quarry,” he added.

He even spoke highly of the club’s academy and all the talents who come through its ranks.

“There are many guys at the door and when you have to be there, they are, like Raúl, Jacobo, Gonzalo, Víctor Muñoz. We Madrid fans have to be proud of our quarry and continue to believe in them.”

The current season has not been an easy one for Courtois on a personal level, especially given how he has continually been at his best only for the team to let him down.

“It’s not nice to score 4 goals against Barcelona. I keep making stops, but if you don’t win it’s hard,” he said on the topic.

“You have to maintain concentration and, when that 1-1 arrives and they have that opportunity, I had to be there to save the team. It’s my role,” he added.

On his fitness, he added, “Physically I feel good, I keep working hard to finish the season as best as possible and be perfect for the World Cup, which is also a goal.”

Match-winner speaks

Jacobo Ramon scored the winner for Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Jacobo Ramon was the next player who spoke to the media after the game and the youngster reflected on what was a very special night for him.

“It’s inexplicable. I’ve dreamed about this all my life. With this shirt you have to go to the end. There is no better way to score my first goal than this one. I don’t know how, but I’ve put it in,” he added on how he scored the goal.

On what it meant to him to score at Santiago Bernabeu, the young academy defender said,

“It’s impressive. I wouldn’t have imagined it and more in the minute it has been. It is a huge pride and hopefully many more will come. It was my first goal here.”

“At first I was a little nervous, but as the minutes passed I felt better. The end is explained by itself. I’m very happy,” he continued.

Finally, he praised the opponents for the tough fight they put up, saying,

“Mallorca is a good team. They have scored the first goal and have backed down a little, but we have had many chances. The goalkeeper has played a great game, but in the end we managed to win.”

Source: Real Madrid website