In a high-stakes La Liga Matchday 33 clash, Real Madrid narrowly escaped with a 1-0 away victory against a determined Getafe side, thanks to a decisive goal from Turkish prodigy Arda Güler.
Yet, while Güler scored the match-winner, the real hero of the night was undoubtedly Thibaut Courtois—the towering Belgian goalkeeper who singlehandedly kept Los Blancos’ title hopes alive.
Following the game, Spanish outlets such as AS, Marca, and the official La Liga platforms heaped praise on Courtois, calling him “the last and most unbreakable wall of Real Madrid” and hailing his display as “a performance that kept the title race breathing.”
Patchwork Lineup, Passive Performance – Madrid Struggled All Night
Manager Carlo Ancelotti opted for a heavily rotated lineup, starting backups such as Fran García, Arda Güler, Lucas Vázquez, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and teenage sensation Endrick.
With Eduardo Camavinga forced off due to injury and all substitutions exhausted, Real Madrid spent much of the match under siege.
Despite only 37% possession, Getafe registered 20 total shots, 6 on target, and an xG of 2.32, compared to Real Madrid’s meager 0.84.
The hosts dominated attacking metrics and looked on course to snatch at least a point—if not for Courtois’ extraordinary heroics.
6 World-Class Saves – Courtois Was a One-Man Fortress
Courtois made six vital saves throughout the match, neutralizing close-range strikes, headers, and even a bicycle kick with reflexes that defied belief.
But it was his 96th-minute save that will go down as one of the best of the season.
Down to 10 men after Camavinga’s injury and with all substitutions used, Madrid were hanging by a thread. Getafe launched one final attack: Luis Milla lobbed a ball into the box, Álvaro Rodríguez brought it down with his chest and spun to unleash a left-footed shot bound for the far corner. The crowd had already begun to celebrate.
But Courtois, with cat-like agility and incredible reach, dove low to his right and parried the ball away from the bottom corner—a save that sealed all three points for Los Blancos and left 15,000 Getafe fans holding their heads in disbelief.
Arda Güler Took MVP, But Courtois Scored the Highest Rating
Although Güler’s goal earned him the official MVP title, performance analytics and fans alike agreed that Courtois was the true standout. He received a 9.1 player rating, the highest of any player on the pitch.
La Liga’s official X (Twitter) account posted, “This Real Madrid side has a visible leader—Thibaut Courtois. A goalkeeper with MVP-level performance and leadership.”
Title Race Still Alive – Courtois Sounds the Battle Cry Ahead of El Clásico
Thanks to this crucial win, Real Madrid remain just four points behind Barcelona with five matches to go. The all-important Clásico on May 11 (Matchday 35) at the Santiago Bernabéu is shaping up to be a championship decider.
Before that, the two Spanish giants will clash again this weekend in the Copa del Rey final, adding more fuel to an already blazing rivalry.
Courtois, confident and commanding, issued a statement ahead of the clash:
“This final means everything to the club and the fans. We will give our all and fight to the very end. This is Real Madrid—we never give up.”
Comeback Complete – Courtois Returns to World-Class Form
Having missed much of the season due to a serious knee injury, doubts loomed over Courtois’ ability to return to his best. But those fears have been completely dispelled. The 31-year-old has not only returned—he’s come back in vintage form.
This match wasn’t just a comeback; it was a statement of intent. Courtois reminded the footballing world why he is still one of the very best between the sticks.
As Long as Courtois Guards the Net, Real Madrid Never Lose Hope
From the Champions League to La Liga, from Club World Cups to Copa del Rey finals—Courtois has been Real Madrid’s last line of defense, and arguably their most consistent performer.
As the season approaches its final and most decisive stages, the Belgian shot-stopper has emerged once again as Madrid’s ultimate insurance policy.
With two massive clashes against Barcelona looming, Courtois’ presence may well be the difference between silverware or sorrow.
