Courtois says Real Madrid on 'right path' despite CWC setback against PSG

Thibaut Courtois has taken positives from Real Madrid’s heavy defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, suggesting the setback could serve as motivation for the club to continue improving.

Los Blancos’ hopes of reaching the FIFA Club World Cup final were dashed after a 4-0 semi-final defeat to the reigning UEFA Champions League holders.

A first-half brace from Fabián Ruiz, along with goals from Ousmane Dembele and Goncalo Ramos, powered the Parisians to victory over Xabi Alonso’s side at MetLife Stadium on Wednesday evening.

While reflecting on where the Spanish giants fell short against Luis Enrique’s side, the Belgian international believes Real Madrid can use the disappointment as a catalyst for growth.

"They (PSG) always start very strong and with a lot of pressure high up. We failed to follow the coach's plan of looking for space up front," Courtois told the media.

"We struggled to hold our position and they found the free man very well. They created a lot of danger, especially in the first half. 

"In the second half, they stopped pressing and we had more chances, but we didn't score. The first two goals killed off the game a bit and they were comfortable.

"It's a tough defeat, but a defeat to learn from. We’re on the right path and sometimes a setback like this is good for you to keep improving, to know that there is a lot of work ahead and that we can get better.

"We have to reach their level; they have won the Champions League and they've been very good in this tournament. We have to work on next season."

Before their ill-fated clash with PSG, Real Madrid had never lost a Club World Cup match, winning 15 of their last 16 games in the competition since 2014. Their only slip during that stretch was a 1-1 draw against Al Hilal in this year’s group stage.

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When asked why their game plan fell short against the Ligue 1 side, the former Chelsea star responded: "This is something that needs to be analysed in the video. From my point of view, we were a bit off the pace. The moment you are late, everybody is out of position. 

"At speed, they beat you because they go forward and you have to turn and you lose time. We were not very close to them and that was the problem.

"When you're spread out on the pitch and with so much space, against a good team like them, it's difficult."