Courtois reflects on Real Madrid's trophyless 2020/21 season

Non-stop injuries, losing to a third-tier side, and almost dropping to the Europa League – it was a season to forget for Los Blancos.

Thibaut Courtois mentions “some strange refereeing decisions” cost Real Madrid wins as he reflects on the club’s trophyless season.

The 2020/21 La Liga title race was down to the wire as the two title hopefuls – second-placed Real Madrid and leaders Atletico Madrid – were separated by just two points going into the final matchday.

Los Blancos displayed great fighting spirit as they scored a last-gasp winner to turn the match around aginst Villarreal. However, their efforts proved to be in vain as Los Rojiblancos also won the match and, in turn, the title race.

“In the league, it was more that Atletico could lose it than that we could win it, they were ahead for a long time,” Courtois told Le Soir and Sudpresse.

“There were some strange refereeing decisions which cost us wins.

“Obviously, we were disappointed not to win anything, but that’s football. The second half of the season was very good, we showed up in big games, it was against other teams when we failed.”

Real Madrid risked exiting the Champions League before even reaching the knockout stage but an improvement in form helped them progress up to the semi-finals.

“In the Champions League, it was a shame to lose the semi-final against Chelsea.

“We had some injuries and COVID cases, but you have to admit that Chelsea were stronger than us in the second leg. And then they won, which shows their level since Tuchel arrived.”