When Thibaut Courtois joined Real Madrid in August 2018, many fans and pundits wondered how the Belgian goalkeeper, formerly of Chelsea, would fit into the system of one of the most successful teams in the world. A few years later, this question is no longer relevant: Courtois has become not only Real Madrid's main goalkeeper, but also its key figure, whose contribution to the club's victories is undeniable. Let's take a closer look at how Thibaut Courtois helped Madrid succeed in the most important matches and what moments can be considered significant in his Real Madrid career.
Before discussing specific matches, it is worth noting the path Courtois took to earn the trust and respect of the fans and the team. His first few months at Real Madrid were not easy: Courtois was often criticized for his inconsistent performances and his style was different from what Real fans had become accustomed to after the departure of Keylor Navas. However, through his hard work and professionalism, Courtois gradually gained confidence and became an integral part of the team's first team.
One of the first seasons in which Courtois really showed his abilities was the 2019/2020 season, when Real Madrid won the Spanish title under Zinedine Zidane. Courtois' role in this success was enormous: the Belgian made 34 appearances in La Liga and conceded only 20 goals, setting a record for the most clean sheets (18) in a season.
One of the key moments of the season was the match against Atlético Madrid in February 2020. This match was important not only from a tournament point of view, but also from a team morale point of view. Courtois showed an excellent reaction in this encounter, saving the team from an inevitable goal several times. His confidence rubbed off on the entire Real Madrid defense and Zidane's team eventually won an important 1-0 victory. It is in such matches that the class of a goalkeeper is revealed, capable of remaining calm even under intense pressure.
Another important match in which Courtois played a vital role was the El Clasico against Barcelona in March 2020. This encounter was of particular importance to both clubs, as its outcome could significantly affect the balance of power in the championship race. Courtois repeatedly pulled out the most difficult balls, leaving Real Madrid's goal untouched. His confident performance inspired the confidence of his teammates, eventually allowing Real Madrid to win 2-0 and take a big step towards the title.
If in La Liga Courtois proved to be a reliable goalkeeper, then in the Champions League he showed that he was capable of being a real hero. His performance in the knockout matches was the key to Real Madrid's success on the international stage.
One of the most memorable matches played by Courtois was the Champions League semi-final against Manchester City in the 2021/2022 season. During the two-game clash with the British side, Real went through an extremely difficult time. The first match at the Etihad ended in a 4-3 defeat for Real Madrid, and Courtois saved the team from a bigger defeat on several occasions in that match. In the return match at the Santiago Bernabeu, the Belgian goalkeeper showed true magic by making several stunning saves that allowed Real to send the match into extra time and eventually win 3-1. This match has become a symbol of Courtois' resilience and skill, who managed to remain calm and confident even in the most critical situations.
The 2022 Champions League final against Liverpool was the highlight of the season and has rightly gone down in history as one of the best performances by a goalkeeper in a final of this competition. Courtois was named man of the match, making 9 key saves, including incredible saves from Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. His performance that night was crucial in Real Madrid's 1-0 victory. After the match, many pundits and fans called Courtois a "wall", who became an insurmountable obstacle for Liverpool's attackers.
Courtois is known not only for his exceptional playing skills, but also for his leadership. Even though he is not the team captain, his influence on the players, especially the defenders, is undeniable. He often gives instructions to his teammates, guiding them and helping them avoid dangerous situations. This is especially important in a team with many young players who can lose focus at crucial moments.
Courtois has also become a role model for Real Madrid's young players like Eder Militao and Ferland Mendy. He not only teaches them the technical aspects of the game, but also mental toughness, showing them how to handle pressure at the highest level.
Thibaut Courtois' role in Real Madrid's success cannot be overestimated. His contribution to the team's victories in La Liga and the Champions League, as well as other tournaments, is undeniable. He has become a key figure in the club's structure, whose presence on the pitch inspires confidence in his teammates and anxiety in his opponents. Every save, every shutout adds points to the team's treasury and brings new trophies to Madrid. This is the great role of Thibaut Courtois, the goalkeeper who has become a Real Madrid legend.
