Real Madrid goalkeeper Courtois: We were always in control; Alisson brilliant for Liverpool

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois insists they were always in control for their Champions League win against Liverpool.

Real won 1-0 to reach the quarterfinals 6-2 on aggregate.

Courtois said, "It was a good performance from us. They tried to create chances, Alisson made a series of brilliant saves and until our goal came, we knew they were still in the game. Once we got that goal, the game cooled off a bit and we knew we were going to qualify.

They were also aware following the first leg, that we could punish them in behind if they went too crazy but they were looking for that goal early on just like Chelsea did last year, and that's when the game could have changed. We showed real authority and maturity in how we went about the game. That was the key, not overthinking too much."

On the quarterfinal draw, he added: We have to respect every team that's made it through. There are a lot of good teams and we'll see who we get drawn against. Last year we were unlucky to always be drawn against a big team, but that's also a great way to progress. We're confident and we know we can go far. We have to keep up this momentum, play like we did today and hopefully it'll be like that in the Clsico. We have to win."