Sorry, but Courtois is the best goalkeeper in the world right now

Real Madrid made a winning start to the 2021 Champions League, claiming a priceless 1-0 victory away from the San Siro against Inter, yet it was the performance of Thibaut Courtois which stood head and shoulders above all else, as the Belgian solidified his position as the best goalkeeper in the world right now.

Courtois made save after save in Milan on Wednesday, including a stunning close-range reaction save from an Edin Dzeko shot, and it would be hard not to label him as the architect of Los Blancos' victory, despite the individual brilliance from Rodrygo to settle the game.

As soon as you say Courtois is the best in the world, people are ready to attack you, especially Atletico Madrid fans who are eager to defend Jan Oblak.

However, the Belgian has been proving it for two years with the national team and Real Madrid. He consistently saves his team as he did on Wednesday evening and he was decisive in 2019/20 title win.

Milan Skriniar had an outstanding game, it was as if he had a limitless range for his legs to take the ball.

He always seemed able to cut out every pass to Karim Benzema or stop Vinicius Jr running into the penalty area, and he wasn't to blame for the late goal.

Hadn't Miguel Gutierrez shown that he could play at the San Siro?

Carlo Ancelotti is clear that David Alaba must be a centre-back in his team, but the surprise on Wednesday was the use of Nacho Fernandez on the left.

Nacho is always reliable but he doesn't contribute as much going forward as Miguel does, yet Ancelotti opted for experience rather than youthful vigour.

Hazard wasn't anywhere to be seen on the European premiere, with Ancelotti surprising fans with the starting XI.

In his place there wasn't Asensio or Rodrygo or Camavinga or Isco, but the chosen one was Lucas Vazquez. He has something that all Real Madrid coaches seem to like and admire.

It was a surprise not to see Hazard for a single minute in a match of such importance.