Courtois Backs Real Madrid to Win at Camp Nou and Calls Clasico 50-50
Thibaut Courtois has sent a warning to Barcelona ahead of the El Clasico on Sunday, insisting that Real Madrid must go to Camp Nou and win if they want to close the gap in the LaLiga title race. Speaking after the 4-1 Champions League victory over RB Leipzig on Wednesday night, the Belgian goalkeeper struck a confident tone, dismissed the idea that form counts for anything in the fixture and threw his support behind the under-fire Vinicius Junior. It was the performance of a captain in front of the microphones, and the Siempre Madrid report carried the full quotes from the Marca interview.
Courtois Real Madrid El Clasico Barcelona October 2026: What Happened
Courtois spoke to Marca in the mixed zone after another commanding display against Leipzig, in which he made several important interventions in the first half to keep the visitors at bay. Asked about the trip to Barcelona, the goalkeeper was direct about the objective.
Courtois said the team had played good matches, picked up good wins and produced a great comeback in Rome. The squad felt confident about what lay ahead, he added, while acknowledging a tough match: to close the gap in the league, Madrid would have to go to Barcelona and win.
On the nature of the fixture itself, Courtois refused to accept that the superior form of Barcelona made them favourites. Nobody could know the outcome until the match was played, he said, adding that Madrid were in a good place and full of confidence. He believed in the team and felt they could win, even away from home. “For me, Clásicos are always 50-50,” he added, “even when one team comes into the match in better form than the other.”
Defence of Vinicius Junior and Courtois Support After the Four Match Suspension for El Clasico
A significant portion of the interview was devoted to Vinicius Junior, who has faced intense scrutiny for his recent performances. Courtois was unequivocal in his backing of the Brazilian winger.
The goalkeeper said he was sure Vinicius would find his best version with the support of the team and the fans, adding that the Brazilian had played well against Leipzig with dangerous actions. Courtois drew a striking comparison, arguing that even Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi faced criticism during their careers despite extraordinary consistency, and that Madrid must help Vinicius rediscover his best form rather than allow the pressure to undermine him.
The comments carry weight. Vinicius is suspended for the Clasico on Sunday after his four-match ban was upheld, so he will watch from the stands, but the public show of unity from the senior players sends a message about the dressing-room mood.
Ballon dOr View With Courtois Backing Mbappe Ahead of Lamine Yamal for 2026
Courtois also weighed in on the 2026 Ballon d’Or race, backing his teammate Kylian Mbappe ahead of Lamine Yamal of Barcelona. The goalkeeper acknowledged the achievements of Yamal, including the World Cup triumph and the LaLiga title, but made clear where his vote would go. The ceremony takes place in London on Monday October 26, the day after the Clasico, adding another layer of intrigue to the weekend.
Background and Context on Four Straight Wins, Barcelona League Lead and Courtois Clasico Record
The confidence is built on results. Real Madrid have won four straight matches, scoring four or more goals in each of the last three, and the 4-1 wins over Sevilla and Leipzig showcased an attack finding its rhythm at the perfect time. Courtois himself has been in outstanding form, and his first-half saves against Leipzig kept the game level before the floodgates opened.
The league context is stark. Barcelona sit top of LaLiga with 27 points from nine wins, while Madrid are third on 21. A win at Camp Nou would cut the gap to three points and blow the title race open; defeat would leave Madrid nine points behind and facing a mountain to climb.
Courtois knows the fixture well. The Belgian has experienced both sides of El Clasico, and his record against Barcelona has been mixed, which perhaps explains his insistence that form counts for nothing. In a one-off game between these two clubs, anything can happen, and the message from the goalkeeper was clear: Madrid are coming to win.
What the Courtois El Clasico Warning Means for Real Madrid Confidence and Barcelona Preparation
For Real Madrid, the public confidence of the senior players matters. Courtois is one of the leaders of the dressing room, and his insistence that the team can win at Camp Nou sets the tone for the week. The backing of Vinicius also reinforces the unity of the squad at a difficult moment for the Brazilian.
For Barcelona, the warning will not change the preparation. The side of Hansi Flick have won all nine league games and will back themselves at home, but they know from painful experience that Madrid raise their level for this fixture.
For the neutrals, the stage is set for a classic. The league leaders against the European champions, the best young player in the world against the most feared attack in the game, and a title race that could be transformed in 90 minutes.
What Next With El Clasico at Camp Nou on Sunday October 25 at 21:00 CET
El Clasico kicks off at 21:00 CET on Sunday October 25 at Camp Nou. Both teams will hold pre-match press conferences in the coming days, and the team news will be confirmed an hour before kick-off.
Key Facts on Courtois El Clasico Quotes, the 50-50 Call and Real Madrid Recent Form
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fixture | Barcelona vs Real Madrid, El Clasico, LaLiga Matchday 10 |
| Date and venue | Sunday October 25, 2026, Camp Nou, 21:00 CET |
| Courtois on the objective | Said Madrid must win at Barcelona to close the gap in the league |
| Courtois on the fixture | “For me, Clásicos are always 50-50, even when one team comes into the match in better form” |
| On Vinicius | Backed Vinicius to find his best version with team and fan support |
| Ballon d’Or pick | Kylian Mbappe ahead of Lamine Yamal |
| Madrid form | Four straight wins, 4+ goals in each of the last three games |
| League context | Barcelona top with 27 points; Real Madrid third on 21 |
Conclusion on Courtois Message That Real Madrid Must Win at Camp Nou
Thibaut Courtois did not come to the microphones to play down expectations. Real Madrid are going to Camp Nou to win, the Clasico is 50-50 regardless of form, and Vinicius Junior has the full backing of the dressing room. It was the message of a team that believes its moment has arrived. On Sunday, we find out if the belief is justified.
What did Courtois say about El Clasico?
Thibaut Courtois said Real Madrid must go to Barcelona and win to close the gap in LaLiga, and insisted that Clásicos are always 50-50 even when one team arrives in better form.
What did Courtois say about Vinicius Junior?
Courtois backed Vinicius to rediscover his best form with the support of the team and the fans, praised his dangerous actions against Leipzig and compared the scrutiny he faces to what Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi endured.
Who does Courtois back for the 2026 Ballon d’Or?
Courtois backed his Real Madrid teammate Kylian Mbappe for the 2026 Ballon d’Or ahead of Lamine Yamal of Barcelona, while acknowledging the World Cup and LaLiga triumphs of Yamal.
What is Real Madrid recent form before El Clasico?
Real Madrid have won four consecutive matches, scoring four or more goals in each of the last three games, including 4-1 victories over Sevilla and RB Leipzig.
