Thibaut Courtois has reminded Real Madrid that Atletico Madrid have won previous recent finals when heading in as the underdog.
Atleti travel across the city on Friday evening for this year’s Copa del Rey Final hosted at the Santiago Bernabeu, without a win over Los Blancos in 14 years.
However, their Belgian shot-stopper believes that this occasion may prove different.
“For their budget and the players that they have, maybe yes they are the favourites, but finals are different and it is not always the ones that are favourites that go on to win,” Courtois told reporters this week.
“Already I have played two finals, one against Chelsea, who were the clear favourite and we won 4-1. The pressure is on Madrid.
“I believe it will be a final of small details. When you play against Barcelona or Real Madrid they are games that are always won or lost on small details.
“On Friday it will be the same. That will be the key. If we defend well, we can have a clean sheet and we can create chances, we can beat them.
“I’d prefer to win. But if we can leave with a clean sheet too, even better. It could be a 0-0 that goes into extra time and penalties, or maybe a final that could finish 3-2 or something. I hope to win the final.”
The youngster was asked of once more coming up against Cristiano Ronaldo.
“I do not care [for his past record against Atleti], though against me he has done well. He is a great player with a great shot, I’ve played against him several times and I know how to prepare. I’m also learning about these things.
“We have to look at ourselves. I do not know what Madrid’s dressing room is like. These are things discussed in the Press and maybe they do have a good vibe over there.”
