Courtois plays with Mbappé in Real Madrid training before the classic against Barcelona

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois brought laughter from the Real Madrid squad during Saturday’s training session at Valdebebas’s CT. In a moment of relaxation, the Belgian simulated a flying move and extended his leg towards Kylian Mbappé, generating a scene that quickly circulated on social media. The move took place in preparation for the classic against Barcelona, a decisive match for the La Liga title fight and scheduled for Sunday at 9pm local time.

Retorno of Courtois and Mbappé reinforces Merengue’s confidence

Ambos players completed training without restrictions after recovering from recent injuries. Courtois, who was treating a discomfort in his thigh, participated normally in all tactical and defensive activities. Mbappé performed positioning exercises, finishing with the ball and worked as part of the main group. The presence of the two in full condition was interpreted as a positive sign by the squad, who arrive at the classic in urgent need of victory to keep their title chances alive.

😱 Courtois pas loin d’arracher la tête de Mbappé sur un ballon haut. 😅

🎥 @brazaaa7 pic.twitter.com/nIT5LrgFKx

— Le Journal du Real (@lejournaldureal) May 9, 2026

Arbeloa conducts focused tactical preparation on Camp Nou

Interim coach Álvaro Arbeloa led the session with an emphasis on specific tactical adjustments for Sunday’s duel. The preparation included marking work, ball release, defensive and offensive transitions, as well as dead ball simulations. Durante the press conference, Arbeloa avoided commenting on recent controversies in the locker room and defended the unity of the group, stating that it will not expose players publicly. The reference was to the discussion between Valverde and Tchouaméni that occurred during the week.

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• Courtois fully participated in defensive and tactical activities.
• Mbappé performed positioning and submission exercises.
• Equipe worked on transitions and dead ball situations.
• Comissão technique prevented excessive wear and tear on the eve of the trip.

Mbappé faces pressure despite impressive numbers

The French striker is going through a contradictory moment in Madri. Acumula 47 goals and 8 assists in the season, with a real chance of finishing as top scorer for La Liga and Champions League. Apesar’s impressive numbers, an online petition calls for his departure from the club, surpassing 50 million signatures. The signatories cite a trip to Itália during his recovery and question the player’s commitment to the Merengue project. Mbappé, however, ignored the topic during the activities, trained normally and should start in Sunday’s classic alongside Vinicius Junior.

Últimos adjustments before decisive clash

The training lasted approximately 90 minutes, with moments of relaxation alternating with serious tactical work. Após the activity, some athletes performed muscle strengthening while the medical department closely monitored the returns of Courtois and Mbappé. The delegation travels to Barcelona this Saturday. Barcelona leads the table comfortably, and a win or draw for Camp Nou could seal the second championship. Real Madrid plays to postpone the decision and force their rival to win the title in another round.