Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has raised the stakes ahead of the El Clásico against Barcelona, affirming his team’s desire to respond to the blows they have suffered against their arch-rivals in recent years, while criticizing the other side’s approach to the rivalry.
The Belgian goalkeeper spoke to DAZN ahead of Sunday’s El Clásico on October 25 at the Spotify Camp Nou, part of the tenth round of La Liga, in a match of particular importance for both teams in the title race.
Regarding the possibility of praising the rival’s players, Courtois said: “We respect players who perform well, unlike the other side,” arguing that appreciating a competitor’s performance does not contradict the fierce competition between the two clubs.
Speaking about Lamine Yamal among the stars who have restored the luster of El Clásico, he stated: “Lamine is a fantastic player,” pointing to the presence of Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, and Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid, alongside Raphinha and Yamal at Barcelona.
Reflecting on the difficulty of some recent encounters against the Catalan club, he continued: “They have hurt us in some matches,” emphasizing that the time has come to deliver a response on the pitch.
Concluding his remarks on the importance of an away victory, he said: “Winning at their stadium will send a strong message,” highlighting the moral value that defeating Barcelona in front of their fans would give to José Mourinho’s squad.
Barcelona enters the match as league leaders with a six-point advantage over third-placed Real Madrid, having achieved a flawless run in the league, giving the encounter a direct impact on the gap between the two rivals in the standings.
The match also follows a contrasting European week; Barcelona lost to Paris Saint-Germain, while Real Madrid defeated RB Leipzig, leaving the hosts looking to return to winning ways and the visitors seeking to build on their European momentum.
