Real Madrid: Courtois praises "great" Ter Stegen ahead of Barcelona clash

The Barcelona keeper has enjoyed remarkable form this season.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has hailed Marc-Andre Ter Stegen for his incredible impact at Barcelona.

Ter Stegen has been fundamental to Barcelona’s impressive defensive record this season. The German goalkeeper has made 19 clean sheets in his 25 La Liga appearances, conceding only eight goals.

Ter Stegen’s performances have helped Barcelona stay nine points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the league table. The Catalans will face their arch-rivals in a crucial game on Sunday, hoping to maintain their lead.

Speaking before the game, Courtois said: “Barca have a 9-point lead in La Liga because of Ter Stegen. Otherwise, those 1-0 wins would have ended in draws.”

“Sometimes, you have bad luck and go through bad form, but Ter Stegen has always been a great goalkeeper.

“He’s better than me with the ball on his feet, but I compensate in saving shots high up because I’m taller. Anyway, the important part is that we both save goals.”

Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 1-0 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final battle earlier this month. However, the Belgian keeper says he expects a different game at Camp Nou.

He added: “Tomorrow’s match should be different than the Copa Clasico. They play at home, so they’ll be more offensive, create more chances, leaving more space for us in behind.”