Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has brought back Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who missed the game against Girona in round 31 of La Liga (2-4).
Spanish publication Defensa Central praised Courtois' performance in that match, noting the low threat posed by the visitors' attack.
"Courtois returned to the starting line-up and played a fairly comfortable match. The defence served as a wall that Almeria's forwards failed to penetrate early in the match, allowing Thibaut to leave much of his half of the pitch during Real Madrid's attacks.
After that, Courtois was simply a spectator as his teammates attacked and moved the ball from one side to the other. "Almeria, losing 0-2, came alive and got a little closer to Real's goal. Courtois, who was assisted by the defence, almost never left the goal. After a mistake in defence, he was fouled.
"Almeria tried, but were far from Courtois' goal. Two conceded goals hampered their chances, especially with a Spanish Cup final and a semi-final in the Champions League on the horizon. At the same time, it's a lesson for Courtois to continue to show his best level. A quiet game, just another one."