Rodrygo, Courtois react after Brest 0-3 Real Madrid – ‘A very important victory’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s 3-0 win over Brest last night helped the Merengues seal a respectable 11th-place finish on the UEFA Champions League standings and thus ensured them a good seeding in the upcoming playoff draw.

Indeed, the men in white failed to secure a top-8 finish, but Rodrygo’s brace coupled with Jude Bellingham’s goal helped them take three important points that will see them face either Celtic or Manchester City in the playoff round.

Rodrygo speaks on the win

Real Madrid winger Rodrygo faced the media after his match-winning brace and began by stating that the team performed well on the night.

Rodrygo scored a brace against Brest. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

“We knew it was very important to win today. It is a very important victory and we have played very well again. I’m very happy to score two goals.”

“This is Real Madrid, everyone who is here has a lot of capacity to do things well. We have to continue like this, everyone working hard to help the team,” he added.

The youngster was then asked about Real Madrid finishing outside the top 8, to which he said,

“It was our goal, but in some games, we didn’t do well. It has already happened, it is up to us to continue working and improving, as we are doing.”

Finally, he gave his verdict on his preferred opponent in the playoff with Los Blancos set to face either Manchester City or Celtic.

“We were talking about that at the end, but I tried to focus only on this game and score goals.

“Whoever draws us is going to be difficult, as always, but we have to keep going. All matches against City are very difficult. Whatever it is, they will be very tough games,” he added.

Courtois’ take on the game

Thibaut Courtois made some excellent saves against Brest. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Thibaut Courtois was the next Real Madrid player to face the press after the win in France, and he expressed his delight over making it to the next stage.

“It’s what we are, we have to play the playoff and we’ll see who we’re against. We are in good shape and we don’t have to be afraid of anyone.”

He then spoke about how Real Madrid are no strangers to facing strong teams early in the competition and how they would find a way past even Manchester City should the draw rule so.

“It has happened to us in other qualifiers, it happened to us last year, two and three years ago. If you want to win the Champions League, you have to beat the best teams.”

“Although City is off-colour this year, it is a very difficult team and we will have to fight it if it is our turn,” he added.

Praising the defence

Courtois praised Real Madrid’s defence. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Reflecting on the win over Brest itself, the Belgian star praised Real Madrid’s defence and expressed his happiness.

“Today was not an easy game, but we have defended well and we could have scored more goals. I’m happy with the victory.”

He then looked forward to the hectic schedule ahead and how the player barely had any time to rest.

“We have to keep working. On Saturday we have a match against Espanyol and we have to follow this line, in the League first, then in the Cup, in the derby and then again in the Champions League.”

“There are many games in a short time, but we want to continue with the victories,” he concluded.

Source: Real Madrid website