Real Madrid fans react to Alphonse Areola’s debut, one-handed save
Real Madrid goalkeeper Alphonse Areola made his first start for the team on Matchday 6 against Osasuna, and while he didn’t have to stop any shots, he impressed fans with his command in the box.
Last week against Sevilla, Thibaut Courtois recorded his first clean sheet for Real Madrid since February, though his performance had more to do with the fact that Los Blancos kept things clean in front of him. The defense had a huge bounce-back performance against Sevilla following a 3-0 Champions League defeat to PSG, and, despite starting three different faces in the back four, they were similarly brilliant in the 2-0 win over Osasuna.
Because of Real Madrid’s defensive brilliance, new goalkeeper Alphonse Areola wasn’t truly tested in his debut. Yet, he still managed to impress Los Blancos fans with his solid passing on the ball and his commanding presence inside the box.
They were especially fixated on THIS incredible one-handed grab from a ball into the box. Yeah, Areola was oozing confidence in his debut in front of the Santiago Bernabeu, and the fans loved it. The Courtois vs. Areola debate may be “A Thing” now.
Take a look at what Real Madrid fans had to say about Areola’s positive debut.
Areola has absolutely no business putting in a better shift in 45 minutes than Courtois has done in all of his games, yet here he is catching balls with one hand and I’m totally here for it.
— Xav Salazar (@XavsFutbol) September 25, 2019
Areola clean sheet? Courtois is finished
— tag (@mxdric) September 25, 2019
I don’t blame Real fans who are done with Courtois. It’s been a rough few months, though he did come up big at the end of the Levante game, to be fair.
Areola sweetie, you're doing well
— E (@edensswife) September 25, 2019
Indeed, we don’t want any overreactions. Areola was impressive but was not tested at all. His display was similar to Courtois’ on Sunday, right? Patience is key, but optimism is fine. (And we do have to acknowledge our bias for GIF-able highlights.)
I hope we'll see Areola starting more games tbh
— OMAR. (@Omaaar96) September 25, 2019
And can't wait for Rodrygo to get more playing time 🔥
Yes, Rodrygo’s goal was mind-blowingly brilliant. That first touch…
We are all one save away from being an Areola stan account. One-handed? We love confidence!
maybe areola needs to start another match just to be sure he is actually decent
— vivian (@avensio) September 25, 2019
Next. Top 5 performances vs. Osasuna. dark
That is a measured response and an appropriate one. I mean, Areola IS decent, based on what he showed at PSG, but Courtois was once world-class. Perhaps Courtois is also rediscovering his form? Or perhaps Areola is underrated and will be better with the pressure of Real? It’s fair to wonder if bringing up Courtois’ past success is detrimental, but it’s also fair to be patient with the goalkeeper battle. For now, there’s room for both players.
Courtois will likely get the start on Saturday against Atleti, so that will be a big spot for him now that Areola has made his claim. This is Courtois’ job to lose, so expect to see him put it all on the line next game against his former club.
But there’s nothing wrong with praising Areola; it’s great to still have options at goalkeeper.