Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has suffered a muscle injury during Sunday’s heated Madrid derby against Atlético Madrid.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the injury and said Courtois would undergo tests tomorrow to assess the severity.

The match, played at Atlético’s Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, was temporarily halted for 15 minutes after violent behavior from the home crowd.

Courtois, a former Atlético player, became the target of angry fans following Real Madrid’s winning goal, scored by Éder Militão.

Courtois, celebrating the goal near the south stand, sparked a hostile reaction from supporters in the section dominated by the ultra group Frente Atlético.

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Objects, including bottles and lighters, were thrown at the goalkeeper, prompting referee Mateo Busquets Ferrer to issue two warnings over the stadium’s loudspeaker. When the behavior continued, the game was paused for 15 minutes.

After the delay, play resumed, and Real Madrid held on to win 2-1.

However, the focus remained on the troubling scenes involving the home crowd. Courtois, who joined Real Madrid in 2018 after a successful stint at Atlético, has frequently faced hostility from his former club’s fans.

The highly anticipated LaLiga derby between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid was temporarily halted at the Civitas Metropolitano after Atletico fans began throwing objects at Real Madrid’s goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois.

The incident took place during the second half with Real Madrid leading 1-0 on Sunday.

Courtois, who spent three seasons on loan at Atletico from Chelsea, became the target of the home fans’ frustration.

Despite efforts by Atletico captain Koke and head coach Diego Simeone to calm the situation, the crowd continued to act disruptively.

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There is growing concern that the match could be abandoned if the situation escalates further.

On the field, Real Madrid took the lead in the 64th minute, thanks to a powerful shot from Eder Militao that broke the deadlock.

Earlier, Atletico’s goalkeeper Jan Oblak had made key saves to deny goals from Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde.

Courtois himself produced a crucial save in the first half to keep the score level at 0-0.

Vinicius Jr., known for his creativity and flair, has struggled to make a significant impact on the game.

As tensions rise off the pitch, both teams await the referee’s decision on whether play will resume or if the match will be rescheduled.

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has addressed recent reports surrounding his injury recovery and salary, clarifying misconceptions regarding his decision not to undergo surgery and the financial details of his contract.

De Jong, who sustained a serious right ankle injury during a La Liga match against Celta Vigo in September 2023, has faced ongoing challenges with the same area, prompting speculation about his commitment to treatment.

Reports suggested that the 27-year-old had refused Barcelona’s requests for surgical intervention while earning an astronomical wage amid the club’s financial struggles.

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In an exclusive interview with Barca One, De Jong firmly denied the claims regarding his earnings, stating, “It is not true that I earn 37 million euros. That’s a very big figure and is a long way off what I really earn.”

The Dutch international was rumored to be the highest-paid player at the club, with an alleged annual salary of €37 million (£31 million).

Regarding his injury management, De Jong emphasized that the decision to avoid surgery was a collaborative choice made with the club’s medical team.

“It is not true that the club told me I had to have an operation, and I didn’t want one. Everyone at the club, the doctors and myself all agreed that surgery was not the best option,” he explained.

Reflecting on his recovery journey, De Jong admitted the frustration of being sidelined.

“Having three injuries to the same ankle caused me a bit of mental trauma. But I am gradually regaining my confidence to kick the ball hard and go strong into tackles,” he said.

As De Jong edges closer to a return, he expressed eagerness to rejoin his teammates. “From the outside, the team looks full of energy and quality. I am really keen to be part of that and offer my very best.”

De Jong has yet to make an appearance in the 2024/25 season, but he may have the opportunity to feature in Barcelona’s upcoming Champions League match against Young Boys on Tuesday evening as he continues his recovery.