Inside Real Madrid's Locker Room: Players' Explosive Response to Lamine Yamal's Bold Clásico Challenge

Real Madrid's keeper Thibaut Courtois has disclosed that comments made by Lamine Yamal prior to last month's El Clásico encounter with Barcelona actually motivated Los Blancos to secure victory.

Madrid suffered defeats in all four encounters against Barcelona during the previous campaign, contributing to a disappointing season without silverware for the club, while witnessing the Catalans achieve an unprecedented domestic treble.

Leading up to October's clash at the Santiago Bernabéu, Yamal had publicly mocked Madrid's standing among detractors. "They steal, they complain," the young player remarked.

Yamal became the focal point of the team's frustration as events developed, and following the final whistle was confronted angrily by Los Blancos skipper Dani Carvajal, who gestured with talking motions using his hand. During that moment, Courtois also rushed over to express his thoughts in the post-match altercation.

The shot-stopper has now disclosed that, while Madrid players were eager to express their feelings to Yamal following their triumph, the incident had already served as inspiration for Xabi Alonso's squad.

"Lamine Yamal expressed himself in a particular manner and ignited some passion around the match, and naturally the media capitalized on the situation," Courtois shared with El Partizado de COPE.

"I noticed he was conversing with Carvajal, and naturally if you begin making comments, I'll respond as well. But as I mentioned previously, we're in a highly charged and adrenaline-filled environment, and sometimes you express things that weren't needed afterwards."

Real Madrid Required the 'Passion' Once More

Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni had previously disclosed the squad drew inspiration from Yamal's remarks.

Courtois continued: "I believe El Clásico is characterized by this; occasionally we require this type of energy. Last campaign we were defeated four times, and I believe we needed some of this passion once more. Barcelona is our opponent and we must confront them. When they were victorious, they showed us no respect either."

Nearly a month later, Madrid have collected four points from six available since then, concluding before the November international pause with a disappointing 0–0 draw against Rayo Vallecano. Nevertheless, they maintain a slightly superior record compared to Barcelona and lead the La Liga table by three points.

With club fixtures now resuming, they travel to face Elche on Nov. 23.