“[Thibaut] Courtois is a fantastic keeper. First 15-20 minutes was good, but after that it was 10 against 11 and it was difficult. In the end, Courtois was the best player on the pitch, so that means how good we were,” said Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola following a tense Champions League match on March 17, 2026.
Courtois was instrumental in Real Madrid’s performance during the first half, making several crucial saves that helped the team maintain a 4-1 aggregate lead against Manchester City at halftime. However, his match took a turn for the worse when he was substituted at halftime due to a hamstring strain, raising immediate concerns about his fitness.
The injury has significant implications for Real Madrid, as Courtois will miss the upcoming derby against Atletico Madrid. His absence is a considerable blow to the team, which relies heavily on his skills as a goalkeeper. Andriy Lunin stepped in to replace Courtois during the match, but the team will undoubtedly feel the impact of losing their first-choice keeper.
Following the match, it was announced that Courtois would undergo tests to determine the severity of his injury. If the tests reveal a minor strain, there is hope that he could return to full fitness within 7-10 days. However, a second-grade tear or a more serious injury could complicate matters, potentially affecting Real Madrid’s fixtures in April.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact nature of Courtois’ injury, but his performance prior to the substitution highlighted his importance to the team. His ability to make significant saves kept Real Madrid in a strong position against a formidable opponent.
As the team prepares for the upcoming matches, the coaching staff will be closely monitoring Courtois’ recovery. The uncertainty surrounding his condition adds an additional layer of pressure as Real Madrid aims to maintain their competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions.
With the derby against Atletico Madrid on the horizon, the focus will shift to how Lunin and the rest of the team adapt to Courtois’ absence. The stakes are high, and the team will need to rally together to navigate this challenging period without their star goalkeeper.
