Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, one of Real Madrid’s greatest stars in recent years, revealed the most unforgettable El Clásico of his career. On the eve of another clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona, in the 10th round of La Liga, the Real Madrid number 1 shared his memories of the matches that marked his career against his biggest rival. In an interview with Real Madrid TV, Courtois highlighted that he experienced many special clashes against Barça, but one in particular holds a special place in his memory. According to the goalkeeper, the match that most impacted him was the El Clásico played shortly before the pandemic in 2020, at the Santiago Bernabéu, when Real Madrid won 2-0 with goals from Vinicius Junior and Mariano Díaz.
“There were several important victories, but one of them happened just before the pandemic, at our stadium, and was decisive in keeping us top. At the end of that season, we won La Liga. There were many wonderful matches that left incredible memories,” said the goalkeeper. That victory not only rekindled the team’s confidence but also played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s run to the 2019/20 Spanish title, the first under Zinedine Zidane after his return to the club.
The El Clásico Courtois mentioned was a turning point for both Real Madrid and the goalkeeper himself. In that match, the Belgian put in an impeccable performance, making crucial saves and keeping the team alive during Barcelona’s pressure. The triumph was symbolic: it represented the end of a winless streak against their Catalan rivals at the Bernabéu and cemented the team’s spirit of resilience that characterized the team that season. The 2-0 victory had a special flavor. The first goal, scored by Vinicius Junior, was the result of a quick and precise move, in which the young Brazilian finished with a deflection off Gerard Piqué to beat Ter Stegen. The second, scored by Mariano Díaz, sealed the victory in stoppage time and set the stadium ablaze, which erupted into a roar like no other in a long time.
Courtois fondly remembered the atmosphere at the Bernabéu that night. The goalkeeper described it as “electric” and highlighted the fans’ support as crucial. “The entire stadium was pulsating. The fans believed in every ball and pushed the team from start to finish. It was one of those games where you feel the weight of the jersey and understand what it means to defend Real Madrid.”
For the Belgian, that match was more than a victory—it reaffirmed that Real Madrid always rises again in decisive moments. Shortly after that match, the football world came to a standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the team remained focused and, upon returning, secured the La Liga title, with Courtois being named the league’s best goalkeeper. The Belgian’s performance was one of the cornerstones of the victory. With decisive saves and impressive consistency, he secured valuable points throughout the campaign.
His solidity between the posts has been compared to that of legends like Iker Casillas and Keylor Navas, cementing his reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in the club’s recent history. Since joining Real Madrid in 2018, Thibaut Courtois has participated in countless El Clásicos, each with its own unique story and intensity. For the goalkeeper, facing Barcelona is always a unique challenge, regardless of the teams’ form. Courtois also emphasized the respect he has for his opponent, acknowledging that Barcelona always raises the bar in the competition. He stated that the duel between the two clubs is the “greatest spectacle in world football,” and that each edition brings new stories, heroes, and memorable moments.
El Clásico transcends football. For players like Courtois, wearing the Real Madrid jersey in a match against Barcelona is experiencing something beyond sport—it’s entering a centuries-old tradition, charged with emotion, pride, and history. Since his first appearance in the Clásico, the Belgian has learned to handle the pressure of the match. The intensity of the stands, the rivalry between the fans, and the global anticipation make the match an almost theatrical experience, where every gesture is amplified and every save can become legendary.
“In the days leading up to the Clásico, you feel something different. It’s impossible to sleep soundly. You think about every detail, every move. But when the match starts, everything disappears—it’s just you, the ball, and the noise of the stadium.” The goalkeeper also commented on the privilege of having participated in this historic rivalry, noting that few athletes in the world have the opportunity to experience a duel of such magnitude. “When my career is over, I know these matches will be among my most precious memories. The Clásico is the kind of match that defines a lifetime.” With the next clash approaching, Courtois remains one of the most respected voices in the Real Madrid locker room.
