El Clasico presented a significant challenge for Real Madrid, who suffered yet another defeat against their fierce rivals, Barcelona. This loss marked the third consecutive summer where Real Madrid fell short in this historic matchup, adding to their frustration. For young prospect Endrick Felipe, the game was particularly demanding. In his debut during such a crucial match, Endrick struggled to make a notable impact.
Despite this difficult experience, both Endrick and Real Madrid supporters should remain optimistic, according to the team’s prominent goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois. Courtois pointed out that Endrick’s difficulties stemmed mainly from the enormous pressure he imposed on himself during this important game. The experienced goalkeeper suggested that reducing this pressure could help Endrick perform better in future matches.
In an insightful interview with *Diario AS*, Courtois compared Endrick to Eden Hazard, whom he worked with at Chelsea. Courtois remarked, “Though he might not be very tall, his leg strength is remarkable. He reminds me a lot of Eden when I first saw him at Chelsea—he had similarly strong legs. You can challenge him, and he’ll still hold his ground. His shot is also very powerful. I’ve seen him strike the ball hard in training. Mostly, he just needs to stay calm. Whether he’s feeling a bit nervous or not, he’ll improve with time.”
Courtois’s comments highlight that while Endrick faced a tough test in El Clasico, his physical capabilities and potential are evident. The goalkeeper noted that Endrick’s strong legs and powerful shot are valuable traits that will likely benefit him as he adjusts to the high demands of playing for a top club like Real Madrid.
Adding to this view, Courtois supported Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti’s perspective on pre-season matches such as El Clasico. He mentioned that while these games are exciting for fans and useful for players, they don’t necessarily predict the outcome of the season.
Courtois elaborated, “These pre-season matches are great for fans and those who come to watch us. The stadiums are always full when Real Madrid plays. Naturally, we dislike losing to Barcelona—regardless of whether it’s a pre-season game or not, nobody wants to lose.”
He added, “Ultimately, the regular season is what matters most. As Dani Carvajal said last season, we’ll see how things unfold when it truly counts. The match was a blend of young and experienced players on both teams. It’s all part of the preparation.”
These statements emphasize the broader perspective held by Courtois and the Real Madrid team. Although pre-season games are beneficial for gaining experience and building form, they do not determine the success of the competitive season. The real challenge lies ahead in the official matches. The team must perform consistently throughout the season to achieve their objectives. Therefore, despite the setbacks in El Clasico, Real Madrid remains focused on the long-term goal of excelling in the regular season, where every game counts.