Real Madrid News
Key Real Madrid veteran a serious doubt for Atletico Madrid clash; tests tomorrow
Real Madrid came away with a 2-1 victory (5-1 aggregate) against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night, making it through to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League.
Vinicius Jr. was on target twice for the Spanish capital club on what was a memorable night for Alvaro Arbeloa & co.
However, there was one blot for Los Blancos from the night as first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had to be withdrawn at half-time due to discomfort in his right adductor.
A serious doubt for Atletico Madrid
Building on that, journalist Alberto Pereiro now reports that Courtois is a serious doubt to face Atletico Madrid in the derby later this weekend.
The Belgian veteran will undergo tests and scans tomorrow at which point a clearer picture should emerge, but as things stand, his involvement against the Rojiblancos is seen as a major doubt.
If so, this comes as a serious blow for Real Madrid, considering how important a player Courtois is for the team.
The 33-year-old shot-stopper has been one of the Merengues’ most consistent top performers this season along with Kylian Mbappe.
So far, Courtois has made 41 appearances in all competitions this season, keeping 15 clean sheets, and conceding only 39 goals. In fact, before his substitution last night, he made a top save to keep Manchester City out.
Real Madrid have a reliable alternative in Andriy Lunin, who did well after stepping in against Manchester City last night.
However, not having Courtois available for a derby which is a must-win game in the context of the title race will be a gutting blow for Arbeloa and Real Madrid.
Real Madrid will be gunning for their fourth consecutive win in La Liga tonight when they take on Real Betis away at Estadio de La Cartuja.
The Merengues, led by Jose Mourinho, are one of two clubs to have maintained a perfect start to the season, along with arch-rivals Barcelona, and will be intent on carrying the streak forward.
Ahead of kickoff , Real Madrid have announced the starting lineup that will take the field against Manuel Pellegrini’s side.
And, Mourinho has made a few changes to the side that started against Malaga last weekend.
Arda Guler, who scored Real Madrid’s fourth goal in the last game, gets the nod on the right flank ahead of Brahim Diaz.
Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., and Jude Bellingham make up the rest of the attacking contingent for the record European champions. Meanwhile, marquee summer signing Yan Diomande continues on the bench.
There is no change in midfield as the manager has opted to stick with the pivot pairing of Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde, leaving Bernardo Silva out.
However, Mourinho has made a couple of switches in defence, with Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konate coming into the team, replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold and Antonio Rudiger, respectively.
Dean Huijsen and Marc Cucurella complete the rest of the backline that shields Thibaut Courtois in goal.
📋✅ ¡Nuestro XI inicial!
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) September 4, 2026
🆚 @RealBetis
👉 @UnicajaBanco pic.twitter.com/wVFegs8R3B
