Thibaut Courtois Marks 346 Games as Real Madrid Beat Racing

Real Racing Club fell to Real Madrid (0-3) on Sunday in a La Liga matchup, leaving the Madridistas in third place in the standings.

The match was largely headlined by Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Yan Diomande, and Arda Güler, the highest-rated players.

The win left the team and the coach, Jose Mourinho, very satisfied, especially the latter, who said he increasingly understands his new team and is happy with the results.

Another club member happy with the win is Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. In a post-match interview, the Belgian was ambitious and reflected on his feelings about the match on Real Madrid TV.

For Courtois, it was a pleasure to play at El Sardinero, a stadium that generates a lot of emotion thanks to the lively atmosphere the Racing fans create.

"Until the 40th minute, we were very good; then we dropped the intensity, and they created a little more danger. In the second half, we also dropped the pace, but we defended well. Clean sheet, three points, and very good," he said.

The goalkeeper accepted that keeping a clean sheet is no easy task, so when Bernardo Silva made a poor pass, he had to react quickly with his foot and make one of the most important saves of the match.

Thibaut captained on this occasion because Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde was absent, and so was the second-in-command, Vinicius Jr., who is suspended.

"It is always an honor to wear the armband. This is the second time I have started as captain; it feels good. It is a source of pride for me."

The 34-year-old player lamented that Real Madrid has had moments when it couldn't keep a clean sheet, having conceded goals on previous matchdays, but he assured that the important thing is the wins, and they must keep it that way.

Thibaut Courtois also mentioned his achievement: 346 matches for Real Madrid, making him one of the club's longest-tenured goalkeepers.

"It is a huge pride; since I was little, I watched Iker and Real Madrid a lot. 346 matches with this crest is an honor; there are still quite a few left. I never thought I could get this far. Matching Miguel Angel and wearing the armband is a pride," he opened up.

The week will be tough, and Courtois admits the whole team is mentally preparing to come out victorious again; he also congratulates his teammate Andriy Lunin, who replaced him in the last Clasico.

"We are working well, with intensity, and everyone is contributing. For example, Lunin last week, too, which is not easy. He made a great save that helped us win the Clasico. Everyone is prepared to compete, and that is what makes the team great," the goalkeeper concluded.