Thibaut Courtois was Real Madrid’s brightest star in the 3-1 victory over Stuttgart in the first round of the 2024/25 Champions League.

Thibaut Courtois had some incredible saves against Stuttgart.

Thibaut Courtois had some incredible saves against Stuttgart.

Early morning of September 18 (Hanoi time), at Bernabeu stadium, Courtois received the title of best player of the match from UEFA, after a performance that frustrated the Stuttgart strikers.

Kylian Mbappe and Endrick were the scorers for “Los Blancos”, Courtois was also an important factor in helping the home team escape in the early stages of the match.

In addition, the Belgian goalkeeper also made 6 saves with an expected goals against ratio of 1.42, the highest on the first matchday of the Champions League this season. In at least three situations, he blocked clear scoring opportunities from Stuttgart.

AS rated Courtois as the biggest reason why Real Madrid did not fall behind Stuttgart after the first half of the match at Bernabeu.

The Belgian goalkeeper helped Real Madrid escape obvious defeats.

The Belgian goalkeeper helped Real Madrid escape obvious defeats.

Since the start of the season, Courtois has kept four clean sheets in seven appearances for Real Madrid. The Belgian goalkeeper’s form makes people forget that he only returned from a serious injury a few months ago.

Courtois missed most of the 2023/24 season recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in August last year. In March 2024, he suffered a meniscus injury and had to delay his return, thereby missing EURO 2024.

Immediately after returning, Courtois shone in the Champions League final with Dortmund last season, and continued his impressive form this season.