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Courtois has become one of the best goalkeepers in the world for three years on loan at Atletico, but he will face his former club and Chelsea teammate, Alvaro Morata, in what could prove to be a decisive derby this year. weekend.
Real will come on the back of four league wins on the rebound and will leap over his opponents with a win at Wanda Metropolitano. Atletico has lost six points in Barcelona and is trying to stay in touch.
For Courtois, the reunion with Diego Simeone's team is not new: he faced them twice for Chelsea in the Champions League last season and again at the Santiago Bernabeu in September. in the colors of Real Madrid.
"It happens in football, it's a derby and a derby here in Madrid is always hot," Courtois said.
"They'll whistle and scream, everything you expect, it's part of football, I'll always respect them, and now I'm playing for the other side."
Courtois helped Atletico beat the duopoly Barca and Real by winning the Liga in 2014, while raising the Europa League, Copa del Rey and Super Cup during his stay at the club.
"There are still a lot of players I know there, the goalie coach, the coaches, they are all identical," said Courtois.
"It's still a special match, I respect the fans and the club a lot, and they've finally given me the opportunity to play at the age of 19. I do not know what to do." have only good memories. "
Courtois's season followed a similar trajectory to that of her team. Julen Lopetegui started playing with Keylor Navas before a clear improvement, with Courtois as first choice of Santiago Solari.
Madrid has also gained momentum under Solari and, despite a slight decline early in the year, has found its pace in recent weeks.
"I feel good now, it takes a bit of time to settle and understand the team, but it's going very well now," said Courtois.
"If we want to reduce the gap and win trophies, it's the month when we have to be at our best."
& # 39; Danger a god & # 39;
Like Courtois, Morata insisted on returning to Spain and granted her wish last month, after her form collapsed in Chelsea. Eden Hazard could be next, with the 28-year-old, who should be following Courtois at Real this summer.
"Eden is an excellent player, one of the best players in the world," Courtois said.
"He is a great friend of mine and if he came here I would be very happy, but in Chelsea he is also a god."
After eight consecutive victories in the league, Barcelona drew against Valencia and Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey.
They face a difficult trip to Athletic Bilbao Sunday but Ernesto Valverde hoped Wednesday that Lionel Messi would be able to play San Mames.
Messi left the bench in the second half against Real, but the Argentine could return, as well as Ousmane Dembele, who recovered from an ankle injury.
Calendar (GMT)
Friday
Real Valladolid v Villarreal (2000)
Saturday
Getafe v Celta Vigo (1200), Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid (1515), Espanyol v Rayo Vallecano (1730), Girona v Huesca (2045)
Sunday
Leganes v Real Betis (1100), Valencia v Real Sociedad (1515), Seville v Eibar (1730), Athletic Bilbao v Barcelona (1945)
On Monday
Alaves v Levante (2000)
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