Diego Simeone is in agreement with Pepe Mel about Thibaut Courtois’ performance for Atletico Madrid in their win over Real Betis.
Mel reflected at full-time that Atleti’s 2-0 win in this Copa del Rey first leg quarter-final was thanks not only to early goals from Radamel Falcao and Filipe Luis, but also Courtois’ performance at the other end.
“We played a very good first half and in the second we took refuge too far back and they created some opportunities,” commented Simeone in assessing the game afterwards.
“We faced the team that are fourth in the League. It is normal that that is how the game went. Betis are a good team, they play well, they are dynamic and fast. They played a very good game here.
“But we, in the first half, played the game we had to and consequently the second half is a result of that.
“Courtois has been very good. He allowed us to win. As always, when a game is won the performance of the goalkeeper is important.
“The second leg? I think we’re going to find an opponent who is still stronger than we saw here, with their supporter to accompany them.
“We have to go there with humility, play our game, as we have been doing.”
