Real Madrid: 5 takeaways from a grotesque 0-0 draw with Getafe

Massive Thibaut Courtois (again)

Real Madrid fans were quick to declare Thibaut Courtois the best goalkeeper in the world. I could try to put on my contrarian hat and argue in favor of Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak, but why would I do that? The truth is, it’s very hard to come up with a compelling argument against Courtois, especially when you look at the sheer quality of the saves he’s having to make.

With a disastrous fullback duo and no midfield in front of him, Courtois faced an onslaught of shots from Getafe. Although Getafe have struggled to score this season, they forced the Belgian goalkeeper into three world-class saves, including one where he stopped a scorching shot with his left hand. The ball was heading into the top corner!

Courtois spared Real’s blushes in a 0-0 draw against Liverpool in their most recent fixture, and he was even instrumental in the 2-1 win over Barcelona last weekend. Real Madrid could not get the win against Getafe, who were near the drop zone heading into this match, but they would have surely lost without Courtois’ saves. We need to all chip in and give him a gift basket or something (I know, I know, he’s richer than all of us…)