Courtois: Real Madrid Must Win El Clasico to Close Gap on Barcelona

Courtois said Real Madrid must win Sunday's Clasico at Barcelona to close the six-point gap to the La Liga leaders.

• Real Madrid beat Leipzig 4-1 in the Champions League's third round on Wednesday, with Courtois making two first-half saves.
• Barcelona lead La Liga on 27 points from nine matches, unbeaten, six ahead of third-placed Real Madrid.
• Courtois said it is natural that Real Madrid draws less praise than Barcelona, a team he called very strong in the league.
• Courtois said stifling Barcelona's prolific attack and converting their own chances will be decisive at the Camp Nou.
• Spanish media reported referee Juan Martínez Munuera will officiate Sunday's Clásico, with Iglesias Villanueva on VAR.
• Barcelona will be missing Dani Olmo, Eric Garcia, and Andreas Christensen, while Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior is suspended.
• Mourinho refused to reveal whether Federico Valverde will continue at right-back for Sunday's Clásico.
• Mundo Deportivo rebutted Mourinho's rest-day complaint, citing data showing Real Madrid enjoyed 26 rest days versus Barcelona's 23 after midweek Champions League matches since 2018-19.
• Mundo Deportivo reported Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is expected to skip Sunday's Clasico at Camp Nou.
• The newspaper also reported the traditional pre-match lunch between club officials will not take place.
• Barcelona president Joan Laporta said relations with Real Madrid have deteriorated into open confrontation.
• Barcelona midfielder Xavi Espart called the Clasico 'a war' and promised his team would give 100 percent to beat Real Madrid.