Madrid Players Reflect on Victory, Eye PSG Showdown

By Kamaran Aziz

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Real Madrid players have reflected on their 3–2 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinals of the FIFA Club World Cup, with several stars sharing their reactions to the match and looking ahead to the semifinal clash against Paris Saint-Germain.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois told Kurdistan24 that head coach Xabi Alonso's tactical approach is making a marked impact on the team's style. "We have to be ready to play 90 minutes or more every game. Alonso’s tactical ideas are new and adaptable to all types of matches. We need to increase our intensity and impact. We cannot afford to underestimate any team," Courtois said.

He also acknowledged the emotional burden on teammate Dean Huijsen, who was sent off during the match. "Match by match, we face more pressure. Of course, Dean Huijsen is heartbroken about his red card. When I spoke with the referee, he said Huijsen used his hand, and a red card was justified," he added.

Looking ahead to their Wednesday night semifinal against PSG, Courtois emphasized the importance of mental preparation. "Paris are European champions, and we need to prepare seriously. They will too. The difference is that they are Champions League holders. Every player is important to Alonso, and he gives strong mental attention to all. Sometimes, when a player doesn’t get time on the pitch, they get disheartened—but Alonso knows how to manage that."

Defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, still grieving the death of his former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota, declined to comment in detail on the match. "When I first heard the news, I had to go on social media to understand what had happened. I’m deeply saddened—Jota was more than a friend, he was family," he told Kurdistan24.

He continued, "This game was especially difficult for me, because Jota and his wife and three children have been on my mind the whole time. Nothing can replace him for that family. It was both moving and overwhelming to see how everyone came together—on and off the pitch—to support Jota’s family during his burial."

"Forgive me for not talking about the match in detail. I’m still living with Jota’s memory. Before being a great footballer, he was a great and exemplary human being. Everyone loved him," Arnold added.

Madrid’s young talent Gonzalo García, who scored the opening goal in the 10th minute, told Kurdistan24 that he was proud to contribute to the victory. "I’m very happy to help my team reach the semifinals. I want to perform at my best and establish myself. Great players inspire all young players, and I hope we can continue to serve our club shoulder to shoulder with them."

García stressed his commitment to improving game by game. "Like players from Castilla and the youth team, I want to encourage the younger ones to work hard toward their goals. Though I’m still at the beginning, I want to prove myself and help the team. I’m confident I can get better."

Real Madrid will face Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinal match on Wednesday at 10:00 PM Erbil time.