GOAL reported that Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, initially ruled out of El Clasico against Barcelona with flu, could still travel to Barcelona and take part in the match. The development came after Real Madrid had announced that he would not make the trip.
Real Madrid's initial announcement
Real Madrid announced that goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois would not travel to Barcelona, ruling him out of the fixture with a bout of flu.
GOAL reports a possible change
Reports suggest Courtois's condition has improved considerably. GOAL said there is now a chance Courtois could travel to Barcelona on his own, pull on his gloves and take part in El Clasico.
Mourinho episode recalled
Sport recalled that Mourinho often orchestrated controversy. One such episode unfolded during a match between Mourinho's team and Barcelona at the Camp Nou.
That game was the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 in 2004-2005, and it took place on 23 February 2005. Mourinho said in his press conference that Irish forward Damien Duff was out of the match. GOAL said Mourinho announced the line-ups of both Barcelona and his own Chelsea side, as well as naming the referee.
Duff appeared in Chelsea's starting line-up minutes before kick-off the following day, in place of Gudjohnsen. Duff himself explained on several occasions that Mourinho fabricated his absence, and that the manager had invented injuries to his players more than once before.
Result of that match
Barcelona won that match 2-1. Maxi Lopez and Samuel Eto'o scored for Barcelona, and Drogba was sent off. Mourinho vented his deep displeasure in the post-match press conference.
Chelsea won the second leg 4-2 to knock out Frank Rijkaard's Barcelona.