Vinicius, Courtois react after Celta Vigo 1-2 Real Madrid – ‘Have to thank the youth team players’

Vigo, Spain – Real Madrid kept their La Liga title hopes alive with a dramatic 2-1 victory away to Celta Vigo on Sunday night, a result that hinged on Federico Valverde’s thunderous stoppage-time strike and lifted the champions to within one point of leaders Barcelona ahead of the Catalans’ late kick-off against Athletic Club.

With ten first-team players unavailable through injury or suspension, Carlo Ancelotti was forced to dip into the club’s academy, and the gamble paid off as La Fabrica graduates Thiago Pitarch and César Palacios saw valuable minutes in the closing stages at a raucous Balaídos.

Speaking to club channel RMTV moments after the final whistle, Vinícius Júnior praised the resilience of a patched-up squad and singled out the youngsters for special praise.

“It was a very difficult match in which we were missing many players, but we came here to win,” the Brazilian forward said. “We worked hard, suffered quite a bit, and in the end were able to win, which was the most important thing to gain confidence for Wednesday’s match.

“We also have to thank the youth-team players who came on to help out, as well as all the players who were called up, because we knew it was going to be a very difficult match, with many players injured and others suspended.”

Vinícius, who has logged heavy minutes in recent weeks, admitted fatigue but stressed the importance of finishing strong. “I like to win matches earlier, when things are easier, but it’s always good to win, especially with a goal at the end. It was Fede’s goal, who is always available for us, helps us every day, and does everything for our team.”

The 23-year-old now turns his attention to the Champions League round-of-16 second leg against Manchester City at the Bernabéu on Wednesday. “We need to be at our best because we’re playing the round of 16 against a very difficult opponent, Manchester City, whom we always face. But we’re playing at home, with our fans and everyone’s support, which is something we really need.”

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois echoed Vinícius’s sentiments, underlining the psychological lift provided by the last-gasp win on the 122nd anniversary of the club’s founding.

“It’s very important to win, especially on our great club’s birthday. A great joy for all the fans. It wasn’t an easy game. They played with 11 men behind the ball, they wanted to defend, and it was a bit difficult for us,” the Belgian international said.

Courtois, who required a fingertip save onto the woodwork and a fortunate deflection to preserve the advantage, acknowledged the narrow margin of victory. “In the end, we were a bit lucky with the post and the deflected shot. But I think we deserved it.”

The 31-year-old also lauded the academy reinforcements, noting the character required to enter a high-stakes contest. “The youth-team players came on really well and I congratulate them because it’s easy to come in as a youth player when everything is going well and you’re winning. It’s more difficult in moments like today and they showed character on the pitch. That’s what’s important.”

Courtois, who continues to manage his workload after the knee surgery that sidelined him for much of last season, reported feeling “great” and credited an intensive gym regimen for keeping him injury-free this campaign.

Looking ahead to the visit of Manchester City, the keeper called for a raucous Bernabéu atmosphere. “We need the team to be incredibly intense and focused. We know it’s important to win this match, and we need the fans to be with us from the first minute. They were with us against Benfica, and I’m sure it can be a great night at the Bernabéu.”

The victory, sealed by Valverde’s 91st-minute rocket, ensures Real Madrid head into the midweek European showdown buoyed by momentum and a deeper squad than the injury list suggested possible.