Courtois dismisses Barcelona favourites tag, says El Clásico is always “50-50”
Abdullateef Fowewe
Real Madrid goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois has rejected suggestions that Barcelona should be considered favourites for Sunday’s El Clásico, insisting that form and home advantage count for little once the two rivals meet.
Barcelona host Real Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday, October 25, in the first league Clásico of the 2026-27 season, with the Catalan side leading La Liga and six points clear of Madrid.
Courtois said Real Madrid are in a good place after a strong recent run, including victories and a comeback win in Rome, and believes the team can secure a positive result away from home.
“Barcelona the favourite in El Clásico? In the end, you never really know until you actually play the match,” the Belgian said.
“I think we’re in good shape and feeling confident.”
He acknowledged Barcelona’s impressive league form but maintained that Madrid have enough quality to win at the Camp Nou.
“They’ve performed very well in La Liga, but I have faith in our team. I believe we can go there and win,” Courtois added.
While admitting that playing away presents a different challenge, Courtois said Madrid’s belief and preparation will be crucial.
“It’s true that it’s their home ground; playing away always makes for a different kind of match, but I trust our team,” he said.
“For me, even when one side might be in better form than the other, Clásicos are always 50-50.”
The match carries major implications for the La Liga title race.
Barcelona enter the fixture top of the table, while Real Madrid will be seeking to close the six-point gap and send a statement in the season’s first meeting between the sides.
Real Madrid began preparations for the game on Wednesday after defeating Leipzig at the Santiago Bernabéu, with the club confirming that the Matchday 10 fixture will be played at the Camp Nou on Sunday at 9:00 p.m. CEST.
Courtois’ comments set the tone for a high-profile encounter, with Madrid aiming to overturn the league narrative despite Barcelona’s stronger position heading into the fixture.
