The year 2025 has been tumultuous for Real Madrid, with the team grappling with a lack of major titles and facing harsh criticism. The departure from glory was starkly highlighted during the La Liga campaign, where the players, led by Thibaut Courtois, found themselves in a fierce title race against Barcelona. A crushing 4-3 defeat at MontjuĂŻc on May 11 sealed their fate, handing the championship to their rivals while exposing a defense that struggled under pressure. Coach Carlo Ancelotti was forced to adapt his tactics significantly due to numerous injuries, including shifting AurĂ©lien TchouamĂ©ni into a central defensive role. Alongside him, young RaĂşl Asencio made only his second start in a Clásico, underscoring the team’s challenges.
Courtois emerged as one of the few bright spots in an otherwise difficult season. With key defenders such as David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Éder MilitĂŁo, Ferland Mendy, and Antonio RĂĽdiger sidelined by injuries, Madrid’s defensive line was stretched thin. The situation was so dire that players from the Castilla team, like Jacobo RamĂłn and Yusi, were called up to fill gaps on the bench. Despite these setbacks, Real Madrid finished the 2024-2025 season with the third-best defensive record in La Liga, conceding 38 goals—29 of which were attributed to Courtois himself. The Belgian goalkeeper consistently played the role of savior, boasting impressive statistics that showcased his resilience; according to OptaJose, he achieved 23 clean sheets across all competitions in 2025, even as his team faced a staggering total of 793 shots—more than any other club in the league.
Courtois: A Pillar of Strength
While Courtois faced some challenges with the Belgian national team during the year, his performance at Real Madrid remained stellar. He has solidified his status as one of the world’s elite goalkeepers, displaying remarkable consistency and skill that have made him a fan favorite. This season alone, he has played every minute of league action and has conceded just 16 goals—making his defense one of the strongest in La Liga alongside AtlĂ©tico Madrid. With eight clean sheets already recorded in just 18 matches this season, Courtois is on track to surpass his previous total of 11 clean sheets.
Looking Ahead
In the Champions League, while he hasn’t yet reached the heights expected of him, Courtois has shown glimpses of brilliance. He managed to keep clean sheets against Juventus and Almaty but faced tougher opposition when Madrid fell 1-0 to Liverpool despite his heroics that limited further damage. At 33 years old, Courtois is no stranger to high-pressure situations and will be crucial for Real Madrid as they approach key fixtures in January. The upcoming match against Betis will be pivotal for both him and the team as they seek redemption and a return to form.
This season’s struggles have tested Real Madrid’s mettle, but with Courtois standing tall between the posts, there remains hope for resurgence. Can he continue this exceptional form and help guide his team back to glory?
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