Thibaut Courtois Reveals Real Madrid’s Tactical Flaws After Arsenal Knockout

Following Real Madrid’s painful Champions League exit at the hands of Arsenal, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois offered an honest and detailed analysis of the club’s internal issues. Without placing blame, Courtois highlighted the root causes behind Madrid’s underwhelming 2024/25 season.

Lack of Cohesion: Real Madrid’s Tactical Void

Courtois noted the team’s overdependence on individual brilliance, saying, “We can’t always expect our front four to dribble past three players and score a stunner. We need to attack and defend better as a unit.”

Real Madrid has struggled to fill the void left by Toni Kroos’ retirement. Although Carlo Ancelotti recognized the need for change, he has yet to find a balanced tactical identity. Injuries and inconsistent midfield combinations have only made matters worse.

The Missing No. 9: Joselu’s Absence is Felt

Another key issue raised by Courtois was the absence of a natural striker: “We delivered many crosses, but this year we don’t have a Joselu, a natural finisher in the box.”

With Joselu gone and Endrick not yet fully trusted, Real Madrid lacks an aerial presence in the final third. The result? 33 crosses against Arsenal, not a single shot on target. A finisher like Joselu might have made all the difference.

Defensive Organization: A Lesson from Arsenal

Courtois praised Arsenal’s structure: “They defend well, stay organized, and have wingers and a striker that track back.”

This subtle comparison emphasized Madrid’s lack of balance. While Mikel Arteta’s squad plays as a cohesive unit, Ancelotti’s team appears disjointed. Madrid also covered 21.2 fewer kilometers than Arsenal over both legs—a statistic that speaks volumes about effort and organization.

Self-Criticism: A Call for Accountability

Courtois concluded with a powerful message: “Everyone has to look in the mirror and think about what they could’ve done better.”

Despite the presence of world-class talent, most players have underperformed this season. Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde have shown passion, but frequent changes in roles have affected their output. Others, like Vinícius Jr. and Camavinga, have seen notable dips in form.

Real Madrid at a Crossroads

Courtois’ words reflect what many fans have sensed—Real Madrid needs a structural reset. Tactical clarity, a strong striker, and defensive discipline are all essential if the club wants to return to the summit of European football. The talent is there, but without unity and direction, glory will remain out of reach.