Real Madrid may not have delivered their best performance, but they still secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Los Blancos were pushed to the limit by Atletico Madrid in a tense encounter, eventually winning on penalties.

Thibaut Courtois, who was brilliant in goal, admitted that the team was below their usual standards but was relieved to see them progress.

“It wasn’t our best performance, but we’re through. Penalties are a lottery and the most important thing was to qualify,” Courtois told the press after the match.

The Belgian acknowledged Atletico Madrid’s threat on the counterattack, which made life difficult for Real Madrid.

“Atletico Madrid had a lot of dangerous counter-attacks and we didn’t play very well, but we’re into the next round. It’ll be different against Arsenal because they’re a possession-based side who play a more open game,” he added, looking ahead to the next challenge.

Courtois also revealed a key moment in the penalty shootout, explaining what he told the referee about Julian Alvarez’s attempt.

“We talked before the penalties and we discussed them during the week. I told the referee Julian Alvarez had touched the ball twice. It’s not easy to see it, but it’s a bit of bad luck,” he explained.

Despite a below-par display, Real Madrid’s Champions League dream remains alive. With a quarter-final clash against Arsenal on the horizon, they’ll need to raise their game to compete against the Premier League side’s possession-heavy style.