Benfica coach Jose Mourinho praised Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for his actions after the final whistle of their Champions League group stage match.
Benfica goalkeeper Trubin scored a last-minute goal at the Estádio da Luz, securing his team’s place in the round of 16 with a 4-2 victory over Real Madrid. Courtois then went to congratulate his opponent in a truly exceptional and heartwarming gesture.
Mourinho told reporters that Courtois deserved a Fair Play Award for this act, adding that such sportsmanship is rarely seen among players these days.
The Special One continued, “What Courtois did for Trubin was out of this world. I think the Fair Play Award has already been given to Courtois; it’s the annual award presented by UEFA, FIFA, or other organizations.”
He added, “Amid the sadness of defeat, he found a few moments to be happy for his teammate who made an exceptional gesture, and Courtois’s reaction is what makes us love football.”
Real Madrid and Benfica will face each other again in the Champions League, this time in the play-off round over two legs. Mourinho commented on this, saying, “Real Madrid are undoubtedly the favorites to win the Champions League, but we will fight as we always have.”
