Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois spoke to the press after the 3-0 loss to Arsenal in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

Courtois said: "Arsenal is a strong team at home, they play well between the lines and pose a great threat. In the first half, we held our ground and created danger on several counterattacks. But in the second half, we forgot our style of play, we left our opponents free, and we weren't calm with the ball. We conceded two brilliant goals from free kicks, and after the third goal, we were not a good match."

He added: "Losing 3-0 is tough, but we are strong at home, and the fans need to trust this team because we will do our utmost to turn this result around. It is possible, but we have to work hard and correct our mistakes."

Regarding Arsenal's style: "The opponent prepared the match well. In the first half, we managed to relieve their pressure and controlled the ball, but what we wanted in the second half did not succeed. This is where the challenge lies."

On Arsenal's three goals: "Arsenal beat Manchester City and scored against Liverpool at home. They are a team that attacks well. On the first goal, I thought I would create a good defensive wall. I always add an extra player to block any shot, but they shot brilliantly. I take responsibility for not placing an extra player in the wall."

He concluded: "I knew that Rice is good at taking free kicks, but I didn't realize he would execute it in such a curled way, and for the second goal, I don't think he could have shot it better. These were unnecessary mistakes; if you know you are playing against a team capable of shooting from set pieces, you shouldn't make these mistakes. I will continue to study this for the second leg."