Key Takeaways:
- Thibaut Courtois criticised Joan Laporta’s remarks about referees last weekend, referencing Barcelona’s ongoing Negreira case
- Courtois addressed La Liga’s confirmed plans to hold Villarreal-Barcelona in Miami in December, expressing concern for competition integrity
- Real Madrid have only conceded two open-play goals in La Liga, excluding the Madrid derby, as Courtois highlighted defensive improvements
Laporta’s Comments and Courtois’ Response Before El Clasico
With just five days remaining until El Clasico, the tension between Real Madrid and Barcelona has escalated following remarks by Barcelona President Joan Laporta concerning refereeing influences. After a controversial red card for Barcelona manager Hansi Flick during the club’s General Assembly, Laporta was questioned about possible Real Madrid interference – referred to as ‘white hands’ – in recent officiating decisions. Laporta stated, “if there are not, then it certainly seems like it.”
🚨🎙️| Thibaut Courtois: "Joan Laporta says Real Madrid are favored? He says that because he has to say it. Since I've been at Real Madrid I've noticed that we've NEVER been favored but rather the opposite." 😂 pic.twitter.com/g0Rk6YBHVb
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) October 21, 2025
Responding in Real Madrid’s pre-match press conference prior to their Champions League fixture against Juventus, Thibaut Courtois addressed Laporta’s comments directly, noting the ongoing corruption investigation involving Barcelona and former Referees Committee Vice-President Negreira.
He stated: “I think he says that because he has to say it because of the Negreira case and all that. I’ve never noticed the referees favouring us since I’ve been here; more the opposite. Referees are human, just like players and coaches, but I don’t feel like they’ve benefitted us at any point.”
Opposition to La Liga’s Miami Fixture
Courtois also turned his attention to La Liga’s plan to stage the Villarreal-Barcelona match in Miami in December. Despite being confirmed by La Liga two weeks prior, the move has met with opposition from both Real Madrid and the Spanish Footballers Association (AFE).
“It corrupts the competition, so it’s easy to talk about the NFL, the NBA… where they have 82 games and nothing changes. There, it’s voted on by all the owners, and here it’s the opposite; it’s La Liga who have implemented it because it benefits them. It corrupts the competition, and doesn’t comply with the players’ union agreement either.”
Player Protests and Tebas Criticism
Recent fixtures have seen on-pitch protests, with players delaying kick-offs by 15 to 20 seconds. In response, La Liga replaced live coverage of these pauses with a message about their ‘commitment to peace’. Courtois challenged this approach and commented on league president Javier Tebas’ public conduct.
“I don’t know what surprises you. He’s replying to people on social media in public… I’ve never seen a league president speak like that. Hiding it and then changing the reason we’re protesting is censorship and manipulation, and it’s serious.”
Defensive Stability at Real Madrid
On the pitch, Courtois noted that Real Madrid have tightened their defence this season. Apart from the Madrid derby, the team has conceded only two goals from open play in La Liga. Courtois pointed to improved organisation with a full complement of players and reflected on recent performances.
“Going back to the derby, the goals came from set pieces… I think we can improve on that. We’re defending much better with eleven men. It was a quiet game against Getafe, but I had to be there in those final seconds.”
| Fixture | Date | Key Talking Point |
|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid vs Barcelona (El Clasico) | Sunday (upcoming) | Referee controversy and Negreira case |
| Villarreal vs Barcelona (in Miami) | December (scheduled) | Debate over competition integrity |
