Real Madrid’s dramatic 5-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night was yet another chapter in their storied history of Champions League comebacks. Despite trailing 2-0 at halftime, the team rallied in the second half, inspired by a hat-trick from Vinicius Jr. and crucial saves from Thibaut Courtois. The two key figures spoke to the media after the match, reflecting on their roles in the comeback and what it means for the team moving forward.
Vinicius Jr., who spearheaded the attack, emphasized the team’s belief and calm approach even when they were two goals down at halftime.
“We believe in ourselves, we know that at home with our fans anything can happen,” said Vinicius. “We arrived at the changing rooms at halftime very quiet, we listened to the manager and we said one thing: if we score first, we will come back again. Thanks to the fans, but we have to improve and play like this from the start because if not, the manager won’t be able to keep up.”
The Brazilian star also praised Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical adjustments, pivotal in changing the game’s dynamic in the second half.
“The manager always finds a way to make the games easier for us,” the Brazilian said. “We changed the formation and also the dynamic in the second half. It’s our competition, and we want to win it again.
“Ancelotti tells me I can always do more, I’m 24 years old, and I want to stay here forever and give a lot to this team that has given me everything.”
While Vinicius delivered the attacking heroics, Thibaut Courtois kept Madrid in the game during the most difficult moments. The Belgian goalkeeper made several crucial saves, preventing Dortmund from extending their lead in both halves, which could have made a comeback far more difficult.
“They created too much danger for us, they scored against us, and we talked at halftime about what we had to improve,” Courtois said. “We reacted, and we knew that if we scored the first goal, we could win. In the second half, we pressed better, man to man, and with an intensity that deserves a Champions League match. That’s the difference.”
Courtois pointed out one particular moment when Dortmund came close to a third goal, but his reflex save on Julian Brandt’s shot kept Madrid alive.
“It was too easy, they played passes to us close to the area, Brandt can control, shoot. I made a good save, but if it goes into the top corner, you go 0-3 down at halftime. It’s not always going to work, and we have to start Saturday against Barca as we finished today.”
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