Lunin Set for First Clasico Appearance as Courtois Sidelined by Illness

Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is set to make his first appearance of the season with Real Madrid, guarding the net against Barcelona this Sunday in the Clasico, following the sidelining of Belgian keeper Thibaut Courtois due to the flu. Courtois played in the first 12 matches for Real Madrid this season, including 9 in La Liga and 3 in the Champions League, before his illness opened the door for Lunin to take the goal in the upcoming clash. Lunin has previously appeared in four Clasico matches, during which Real Madrid secured three consecutive wins, starting with a 3-1 victory in October 2022, followed by a 4-1 win in the Spanish Super Cup final in January 2024, and a 3-2 league win in April of the same year. However, his fourth appearance ended in a heavy 4-0 defeat to Barcelona on October 26, 2024, when he was the primary keeper due to Courtois's absence. In his past Clasico outings, the Ukrainian goalkeeper has not kept a clean sheet, presenting a new challenge as he faces Barcelona, with Real Madrid aiming for a crucial victory in one of the season's most significant matches.