Andriy Lunin takes over for injured Thibaut Courtois: Backup goalkeeper’s Real Madrid record

Real Madrid has been dealt a major blow with the news that goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is expected to be sidelined for at least six weeks after suffering a quad injury ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League victory over Manchester City. The Belgian managed to play the first half at the Etihad but was replaced at halftime. All eyes are now on Andriy Lunin, who took over in the second period.

Lunin’s chance to shine

Since making his debut for Real Madrid in 2021, the Ukrainian has filled in for Courtois fairly regularly, stepping up whenever his compatriot has been sidelined.

Lunin has played a total of 66 games for Los Blancos, an unusually high number for a backup goalkeeper. In those appearances, he has conceded 74 goals and kept 23 clean sheets.

Proven experience under pressure

Almost half of Lunin’s outings came in the 2023-24 season after Courtois suffered an ACL tear in August 2023. Despite playing most of the season, Lunin returned to the bench for the Champions League final victory against Borussia Dortmund, allowing the fit-again Courtois to start.

Lunin is now expected to start in Sunday’s derby against Atlético Madrid, as well as both legs of the Champions League quarterfinals against Bayern Munich on April 7 and 15. If Courtois is indeed out for six weeks, he could return in time for a potential semifinal against either PSG or Liverpool, should Madrid get past Bayern.

Steady hands in goal

Lunin has proven himself a reliable performer in LaLiga and the Champions League, the two competitions Madrid is desperate to win again. In Spain’s top division, he has conceded fewer than a goal per game (33 goals in 37 appearances) and kept 17 clean sheets.

In the Champions League, he has managed three clean sheets in 14 games, conceding 19 goals. Still, Lunin played an important role in Madrid’s 2023-24 triumph in Europe’s premier competition.

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