Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has insisted that Sunday’s El Clásico against Barcelona remains a 50-50 contest, despite the Catalan side’s impressive form in La Liga.
Courtois expressed confidence in his team ahead of the meeting, saying Barcelona’s performances would not make them outright favourites before the encounter.
According to a post on X on Friday, the Belgian shot-stopper said: “Barcelona the favorite in El Clásico? In the end, you never really know until you actually play the match.”
Courtois added: “I think we’re in good shape and feeling confident… it’s 50-50, always.”
The Real Madrid No. 1 acknowledged Barcelona’s strong league form but maintained that he believed his side had the quality to secure victory.
“They’ve performed very well in La Liga, but I have faith in our team. I believe we can go there and win,” he added.
Courtois also recognised the challenge of playing away from home but reiterated that the rivalry often makes form and venue less decisive.
“It’s true that it’s their home ground; playing away always makes for a different kind of match, but I trust our team.
“For me, even when one side might be in better form than the other, Clásicos are always 50-50.”
The comments come as the La Liga title race begins to take shape, with the result expected to have implications for both sides.
A victory for Real Madrid in Catalonia would help close the gap on the league leaders, while a Barcelona win would strengthen their position at the top of the table.
Courtois’s assessment reflects the belief that, despite differences in form, standings and home advantage, El Clásico remains an unpredictable contest between two of Spanish football’s biggest rivals.
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