552 days without a defeat: Stat show why club veteran is Real Madrid’s lucky charm

Thibaut Courtois is poised to make his highly anticipated return to action for Real Madrid in their upcoming fixture against Leganes. The Belgian goalkeeper has been out of the squad for an extended period due to a severe injury, which caused him to miss pivotal games, including El Clasico and matchups against AC Milan and Osasuna.

 

A Crucial Absence

Courtois’ absence has had a noticeable impact on Real Madrid’s performance. The team suffered three of their defeats this season—against Lille, AC Milan, and Barcelona—during his recovery period. His importance to the squad cannot be overstated, as evidenced by the fact that the last time Real Madrid lost with Courtois between the posts was on May 21, 2023, in a narrow 1–0 defeat to Valencia.

 

A Symbol of Stability

Since that loss, Courtois has been a cornerstone of Real Madrid’s defensive structure. Even while sidelined due to a torn cruciate ligament—a setback that kept him out for 552 days—his value to the team remained evident. Now, following a challenging recovery process, Courtois is prepared to reestablish himself as a key figure in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.

 

Vital at a Pivotal Time

Courtois’ return comes at a critical juncture for Real Madrid, as the team looks to regain stability following an inconsistent start to the season. His contributions on the pitch are undeniable. In the 12 matches he featured in this season, Real Madrid secured nine victories and three draws, conceding only 10 goals during that period. This level of defensive solidity has been sorely missed in his absence.

 

The Difference in Quality

Comparisons with his understudy, Andriy Lunin, further highlight Courtois’ importance. While Lunin has stepped in during Courtois’ absence, he has struggled to replicate the Belgian’s level of performance. In five appearances, Lunin has conceded eight goals, with all three of Real Madrid’s losses occurring under his watch.

Statistically, Courtois excels in key metrics: he averages 2.29 saves per game compared to Lunin’s 2.18, boasts a superior save percentage of 75% versus Lunin’s 60%, and achieves three saves per goal conceded compared to Lunin’s 1.5. Moreover, Courtois contributes significantly in interceptions and accurate passes into the attacking third, underscoring his versatility and influence.

 

Boosting Real Madrid’s Confidence

In a season where Real Madrid’s defense has shown vulnerabilities, Courtois’ return brings renewed hope and reassurance. His presence in goal is expected to provide greater solidity and confidence, both for the backline and the team as a whole.

Preparations for the Leganes Match

Meanwhile, Real Madrid are also making adjustments for their upcoming match against CD Leganes. Manager Carlo Ancelotti faces several key absences, including Aurelien Tchouameni, David Alaba, Rodrygo, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, and Lucas Vazquez. To address the depleted squad, Ancelotti has called up eight youth players from La Fabrica to complete training sessions.

 

The youth players—Guille Sunico, Sergio Mestre, David Jimenez, Raul Asencio, Cristian David, Daniel Yanez, Gonzalo, and Diego Aguado—trained under Ancelotti’s supervision at Valdebebas. Although Vazquez and Rodrygo trained separately as they work toward recovery, their return is uncertain ahead of the fixture against Liverpool.

 

Balancing Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the challenges posed by injuries, Real Madrid’s inclusion of young talent provides depth and an opportunity for emerging players to make an impact. As the match against Leganes draws near, fans will be eager to see how the team copes with its absentees while continuing their push for dominance in La Liga.