Champions League: Thibaut Courtois Explains Why Real Madrid Will Qualify Ahead of Man City

• Thibaut Courtois believes Real Madrid's winning mentality will make the difference in the second leg of the semi-final tie with Manchester City
• The first leg ended in a one-all draw after De Bruyne cancelled out Vinicius Junior's opening goal
• Courtois showcased his exceptional goalkeeping skills with a series of sensational saves, thwarting Man City's relentless attack

Thibaut Courtois is optimistic about the chances of Real Madrid progressing to the final of this season's UEFA Champions League ahead of his side's second-leg semi-final clash with Manchester City.

Vinicius Junior and Kevin De Bruyne traded breathtaking goals as Real Madrid and Man City shared the spoils in the first leg of their semi-final blockbuster at the Bernabeu.

The Premier League side had dominated the early exchanges of the game and threatened to break the deadlock, only for Vinicius Jnr. to score against the run of play with a thunderous effort from range, talkSPORT reports.

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City responded in trademark fashion when eventual man-of-the-match winner Kevin De Bruyne silenced the Bernabeu crowd with a goal from the top drawer mid-way into the second half as Madrid went in search of a second goal.

Despite many attempts by both sides, it proved to be a case of much ado about nothing as the scoreline read 1-1 after the final whistle, leaving the tie evenly poised ahead of the make-or-break return leg at the Etihad on Wednesday, May 17.

Madrid shot-stopper Courtois, who pulled off some stupendous saves, is confident his side will have the last laugh regardless of Man City's impregnable home record. According to the former Chelsea goalie, next week's encounter is akin to a final.

“Next week will be like a final and we’re quite good at winning finals,” he told the press as quoted by Madrid Zone.

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Rudiger backs Courtois' claims

In a related article, Sports Brief reported that Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger is unfazed by the daunting task of progressing to the final of the UEFA Champions League at the expense of Manchester City.

Rudiger put in a masterclass performance to help Madrid play out a 1-1 draw with Premier League giants Man City at the Bernabeu on Tuesday evening.

Ahead of the reverse fixture in Manchester next Wednesday, Rudiger, who knows the Etihad very well, having spent five successful seasons with Chelsea, is confident of helping Madrid oust the Citizens.