Courtois equals Real Madrid goalkeeping record as he sends message to supporters

Thibaut Courtois returned to goal for Real Madrid after missing the previous round’s El Clasico against Barcelona, helping his side beat Racing 3-0 in La Liga on Sunday.

The Belgium international was named in the starting XI for the club’s 11th-round league match and kept a clean sheet as Real Madrid secured a comfortable victory.

The result also marked a personal milestone for Courtois. Real Madrid said on X that he had matched Miguel Angel’s record of 346 appearances for the club, making him the goalkeeper with the third-highest number of matches in the team’s history.

Courtois addressed Real Madrid’s supporters after the final whistle, saying: “Hello, Madridistas. I am extremely happy with this victory and with keeping a clean sheet.”

The goalkeeper also looked ahead to the club’s next assignment in Europe.

“We are now heading to Athens to continue our efforts to collect three points. Come on… Hala Madrid,” he added.

Real Madrid’s victory moved them to 27 points and third place in the La Liga table. They remain three points behind leaders Barcelona.

The Spanish club will next face AEK Athens on Wednesday, 04 November 2026, in the fourth round of the league phase of the UEFA Champions League. Real Madrid are seeking to maintain their perfect record in the competition after winning each of their opening three matches.

The fixture information also lists Malaga against Racing Santander in La Liga on 07 November 2026.

Courtois’ return provided Real Madrid with both a clean sheet and a landmark appearance, while the win kept them within reach of Barcelona at the top of the domestic standings. Their immediate focus now turns to Athens, where they will attempt to extend their unbeaten start in the Champions League league phase.