Courtois has faced 37 shots on target in eight games, the most of his Real Madrid career

By the Data Desk · Published 8 OCT 09:30

Thibaut Courtois has faced 37 shots on target in Real Madrid's first eight games of the season, according to a count by AS, the most in any start since he joined the club in 2018. Real Madrid host Villarreal on Saturday with the busiest goalkeeper they have had in years.

• 37 shots on target in eight games: 4.6 a game, against his usual 3.6 (AS).
• His previous worst start was 35 in 2020-21, Zidane's last season.
• Real Madrid are fourth in LaLiga on 15 points, six behind Barcelona.

AS has counted every shot on target Courtois has faced this season. After eight games in all competitions the total is 37, an average of 4.6 a match. His average at Madrid used to be 3.6. The worst start of his nine seasons was 2020-21, Zinedine Zidane's last year, with 35.

He has conceded nine goals and saved 76% of what he faced, a strong rate under that much pressure: his best start, two seasons ago, was 83%. The busiest night was the 2-1 win over Inter in the Champions League, when he saved seven of eight. He has kept only one clean sheet, against Málaga at the Bernabéu.

The first three games were calm, with no more than three shots on target against him in any of them. Since then the numbers have climbed: seven from Rayo Vallecano, seven at the Metropolitano before the international break. Courtois skipped Belgium this window to stay fit for Madrid. "Amo jugar con la selección, pero al final a quien debo todo es al Madrid" (I love playing for the national team, but in the end I owe everything to Madrid), he told AS.

In LaLiga, Real Madrid are fourth on 15 points from seven games, with 18 goals scored and 8 conceded. Barcelona lead on 21 with a perfect record. Villarreal come to the Bernabéu on Saturday at 21:00 Madrid time (20:00 UK).