Heavily anticipated in last Saturday’s Clásico in the Copa del Rey final, Thibaut Courtois shone in both good and bad ways. Together with goalkeeper coach Llopis, the Belgian goalkeeper attempted to explain his fateful clearance that led to Ferran Torres’ equaliser in the dying moments of regular time.
Real Madrid saw their dreams of lifting the Copa del Rey collapse in the face of an opportunistic FC Barcelona, as Toni Kroos admitted after the match. There were several individual errors that contributed to this defeat, including the one that led to Ferran Torres’ second goal. From a long ball behind the Madrid defence, there was a lack of coordination between Thibaut Courtois and Antonio Rüdiger. Right after the match, which ended 3-2 in favour of the Catalans, the Belgian goalkeeper, accompanied by his goalkeeper coach Luis Llopis, wasted no time in explaining himself.
Courtois’ analysis pointing to Rüdiger
Completely devastated after the final whistle, Thibaut Courtois was comforted by the Madrid goalkeeper coach. Well aware that his team could have lifted the trophy if he hadn’t made the botched clearance that benefited Ferran Torres, the 32-year-old goalkeeper experienced a moment of great solitude. However, according to Defensa Central, the former Chelsea goalkeeper explained that his clearance was solely intended to help Antonio Rüdiger.
Aware of the physical limitations of his German teammate, who was playing with knee pain, Thibaut Courtois tried to anticipate. Seeing Rüdiger out of breath and unable to track the opponent’s runs, the goalkeeper made a risky decision: to step out of his position to intercept the ball. But his timing was off, and the rest is history.
The harsh truth about the Madrid defence
The truth is that Rüdiger wasn’t at 100%. Without Éder Militão and with David Alaba’s insufficient performances, the German veteran had no rest. For months, he has been playing while struggling with a persistent knee pain that should be addressed through surgery. Helped by Raúl Asencio, who covered him from behind, Antonio unfortunately found himself alone at the back when Hansi Flick’s team played the long ball.
So, we imagine that if there had been other solid and fresh defenders on the bench, Antonio Rüdiger should have left the pitch a long time ago. In such a situation, Thibaut Courtois wouldn’t have come out to help, and the action could have unfolded differently. But in football, regrets change nothing. “I’m very proud of my teammates and the way we fought for a victory that never came. Sad and responsible, but convinced that we will bounce back. We need to digest this defeat and focus on the upcoming matches,” Courtois said after the game.
The time for rebuilding is now
Despite this mistake, it’s hard to fault Thibaut Courtois. Throughout the season, he has been one of the few consistent players in a struggling team. His crucial saves often kept Real Madrid afloat, both in La Liga and the Champions League. But even the best can have moments of weakness, and this final is proof of that.
For Real Madrid, this defeat is a blow, but not an end in itself. With five league matches still to play, the team has the opportunity to finish the season on a positive note. As for Courtois, he remains an essential pillar, ready to face the upcoming challenges. Football is made of highs and lows, and this Copa del Rey final is a perfect example. But with players like Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid can hope for better days ahead.
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