Journalist Nizaar Kinsella has claimed that Thibaut Courtois kissed the Real Madrid badge in front of Chelsea fans last night.
He said on Twitter that the Belgian was fired up after making a sensational save from Marc Cucurella late in the first half.
Courtois certainly did not receive a warm welcome from the Stamford Bridge faithful last night.
He was frequently booed upon touching the ball in the early stages, with the manor of his exit from the club not sitting right with many.
Comparing his reaction to that of Antonio Rudiger’s when he came on at half-time, and the certain response Eden Hazard would have received among appearing, it was clear to see how unpopular the goalkeeper was.
Courtois angers Chelsea fans
He seemed to play up to that role however, and his actions when making a crucial save in the first half suggest he was loving things.
Kinsella claimed he made sure to select his area of the ground well, infuriating the home Matthew Harding end.
He said: “Thibaut Courtois just kissed the Real Madrid badge in front of the Matthew Harding End. Big save from Cucurella. Your pantomime villain ladies and gentleman, can he be beaten in the second half? 0-0 at half-time.”
The comparison of goalkeepers was a key factor in both legs of this Champions League tie. Popular or not, Courtois made a string of sensational saves to keep Chelsea out throughout the tie.
Meanwhile, Chelsea ‘keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was beaten from range by Marco Asensio in the first leg, whilst his positioning for a number of other goals could be questioned at the very top level.
This may be why reports of wanting to bring a new goalkeeper to Stamford Bridge have not disappeared, with Robert Sanchez spotted in attendance last night.
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