Thibaut Courtois Makes Bold Statement After Real Madrid’s El Clasico Friendly Loss to Rivals Barcelona

• Thibaut Courtois has described Real Madrid’s El Clasico friendly loss to Barcelona as just another preseason game
• Los Blancos lost 1-0 to Barcelona in a pre-season friendly duel that took place in Las Vegas on Sunday, July 24
• Real Madrid are aiming to retain the La Liga title after emerging champions of Spain last season in a phenomenal campaign under Carlo Ancelotti

Thibaut Courtois has insisted Real Madrid were a beat off their usual rhythm as the UEFA Champions League winners were beaten by arch-rivals Barcelona in a tune-up preseason game.

Los Blancos had lost 1-0 in the El Clasico friendly tie with new summer signing Raphinha scoring a screamer for Barcelona to hand Carlo Ancelotti’s men their first defeat in preseason.

According to Marca, Thibaut Courtois has now played down the loss, revealing that the result will not affect the Los Blancos players.

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"For a first game, it was good. The only thing is that we didn't have a goal and they scored a great goal. In pre-season, the result doesn't count.

"The results now don't say much. Obviously, we'd prefer to win, especially in front of the fans in the United States, but it's the first game and we had to get into a rhythm.”

Real Madrid will next face Club America on Tuesday, July 26 as they continue their preseason preparations ahead of the new season.

Benzema, Carvajal expected to make pre-season debut against Club America

Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s top scorer last season, Karim Benzema is expected to make his first appearance for Los Blancos in their preseason friendly against Club America SB Nation reports.

Defender Dani Carvajal is also expected to make their pre-season debut for Los Blancos in the tune-up game scheduled for Tuesday, July 26.

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Both Benzema and Carvajal missed Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss to rivals Barcelona on Saturday, July 23 as Carlo Ancelotti avoided taking risks with his players ahead of the new season.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois proposes to model girlfriend

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has capped his fantastic 2021/22 season with a proposal for his model girlfriend, Mishel Gerzig.

Courtois inspired the Spanish giants to their 14th European title with a Man-of-the-Match performance during their Champions League Final against Liverpool on Saturday, May 28, in Paris.

The Belgian made a string of saves during the encounter to deny both Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah a chance at goal.