Thibaut Courtois stands alone as Real Madrid face fans’ anger after derby defeat

Thibaut Courtois was the only Real Madrid player to confront the fallout from their 2-1 defeat by Atletico de Madrid, speaking out after the match and acknowledging supporters while most of his team-mates remained silent.

The Belgian goalkeeper produced an outstanding individual display in the Madrid derby despite his side’s collapse during significant periods of the game. Courtois made several important saves and was rated 8.6 by Sofascore, making him the highest-rated player for both Real Madrid and the match as a whole.

His response was not limited to his performance on the pitch.

Real Madrid players did not speak to the media in the mixed zone after the final whistle, following instructions from the club. None of them posted messages on social media after the defeat either.

Courtois was the exception. He went over to the Real Madrid supporters who had travelled to the Wanda Metropolitano, applauded them and greeted them before kissing the club badge. His actions reflected both his connection with the team and his disappointment at the situation facing the club.

Courtois sends a message

Courtois also became the only Real Madrid player to address the fans publicly after the derby.

Writing on his social media accounts, he said: “The obvious things frustrated us, but what we have in our hands is to improve so that we do not lose more points. Hala Madrid.”

The message came after Real Madrid had been beaten by their city rivals, increasing the pressure on the team following the derby loss.

Courtois also featured in another form of public reaction involving the club. According to Spanish newspaper AS, he was one of only two players, alongside Denzel Dumfries, to like a Real Madrid post on Instagram about the match.

That post referred to refereeing decisions which the club believed had influenced the outcome of the derby. Its headline read: “Bad refereeing decides the derby.”

Courtois therefore emerged from the match in marked contrast to most of his team-mates. He was Real Madrid’s best performer on the field, the most visible player after the final whistle and the one who chose to face the supporters rather than remain behind the team’s silence.