Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois has grown increasingly unpopular with his team’s city rivals, as Atletico Madrid fans dug up a plaque that was adorned with the Belgian’s name.
The Atleti fans’ reaction came following Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the Champions League final. Courtois was incredible in the showpiece game; he made nine saves and kept a clean sheet as Madrid won their 14th European Cup.
As a result of his brilliant performance, Courtois took home the final’s player of the match award. And he was good value for it.
In the first half, the Belgian kept the score at 0-0 when he tipped a Sadio Mane effort onto the post. Then, a flurry of good stops and confident cross collection only inspired confidence further in the Real defence.
In the second half, he arguably made his finest save of the lot. Mohamed Salah raced through on goal, flashing a right-footed shot toward the far top corner. Unbelievably, Courtois stuck out an arm and made a tremendous save to preserve Madrid’s slender advantage.
His heroics in the final capped off a fantastic Champions League campaign for Thibaut Courtois. He led the competition in saves, with 61 across 13 games. That is 20 more than the next best goalie.
The shot-stopper has earned the respect of football fans all around the globe. Unfortunately, Thibaut Courtois is not very popular among Atletico Madrid supporters.
Courtois’ stint at Atletico
Belgium’s No.1 played for the other side in Madrid from 2011 to 2014. During his entire stay, he was on loan from Chelsea. But the Atleti faithful still thought highly of him.
With Courtois as the first-choice goalkeeper, Atletico enjoyed success both domestically and in Europe. In 2011/12, they won the Europa League, defeating Athletic Bilbao 3-0. The following season, Madrid took home both the UEFA Super Cup and a Copa del Rey. Finally, in 2013/14, Courtois helped Atletico win La Liga, breaking Barcelona and Real Madrid’s stranglehold on the league.
However, in the same season, Atletico suffered heartbreak in the Champions League final. They were seconds away from winning their first-ever European Cup, leading 1-0 in injury time. But Sergio Ramos headed home an equaliser, after which Real ran out 4-1 winners in extra time.
After being so close to victory, conceding four goals in a final hurt Courtois in what proved to be his last Atletico appearance. Despite the sad ending, Courtois left Madrid with fond memories. He made 154 appearances in all – qualifying the Belgian for a plaque on Atletico’s Walk of Legends.
The Walk of Legends was installed at the club’s Wanda Metropolitano stadium following its construction in 2017. Any player that made over 100 appearances in their famous red and white stripes gets a place on the walk.
This included Thibaut Courtois – until Atletico Madrid fans removed it.
Atletico Madrid fans remove Thibaut Courtois plaque
Ever since he moved to rivals Real, the once high regard that Atleti supporters held Courtois in has diminished. Additionally, Courtois did little to help his case before the Champions League Final. According to Marca, the Belgian said he was on “the good side of history” now he was at Real – referencing Atleti’s defeat in the 2014 final.
Therefore, fans did not need a second invitation to remove his plaque from their stadium.
Upon hearing that fans wanted to get rid of the tribute to their former keeper, Atletico’s President gave his blessing.
“If you want to remove Courtois’ plaque, go with an axe and shovel and remove it,” declared club president Enrique Cerezo.
Supporters duly obliged. Just hours after Cerezo made the statement, Courtois’ plaque displaying his appearances for Atleti was gone.
Real Madrid’s keeper can surely expect a hostile reception the next time he visits the Wanda Metropolitano.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
