552 days without a defeat: Stat show why club veteran is Real Madrid’s lucky charm | OneFootball

Thibaut Courtois is set to make his long-awaited return for Real Madrid in their upcoming match against Leganes.

The Belgian goalkeeper has been sidelined for a significant period due to a serious injury, which saw him miss crucial games, including El Clasico, as well as clashes against AC Milan and Osasuna.

His absence has been keenly felt, with Real Madrid suffering three of their season’s defeats during this time—against Lille, Milan, and Barcelona.

Important for Real Madrid

To highlight his importance, Real Madrid’s last loss with Courtois in goal dates back to 21 May 2023, when Valencia claimed a narrow victory thanks to Diego Lopez’s solitary strike.

Since then, Courtois has been a symbol of stability for the team, a status reinforced despite his injury setback. After 552 days and a challenging recovery from a cruciate ligament rupture, he is now ready to reclaim his place as the team’s backbone.

Thibaut Courtois has been Real Madrid’s backbone. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

His return comes at a critical juncture, with Real Madrid aiming to regain momentum after a shaky start to the season.

Courtois’ impact on the pitch is undeniable. In the 12 matches he has played this season, Real Madrid have recorded nine wins and three draws, conceding only 10 goals during this stretch.

In stark contrast, his understudy, Andriy Lunin, has struggled to fill the void. His five appearances have seen him concede eight goals, with all three of Madrid’s defeats occurring under his watch.

More stats to back

Statistically, Courtois outshines Lunin in several key areas. He averages 2.29 saves per game compared to Lunin’s 2.18, boasts a 75% save rate against shots faced vs Lunin’s 60%, and achieves three saves per goal conceded compared to Lunin’s 1.5.

Additionally, Courtois contributes more in terms of interceptions and accurate passes to the final third, further underscoring his versatility and influence.

In a season where Real Madrid’s defence has shown vulnerabilities, Courtois’ return brings hope and reassurance. With his presence, Carlo Ancelotti’s side can look forward to greater solidity and confidence at the back.