Brief
Real Madrid fans doubt Lunin’s readiness for El Clásico after Courtois flu setback
Fans express concern over Lunin’s lack of recent game time ahead of the high‑stakes match against Barcelona.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Real Madrid will start Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin in the upcoming El Clásico against Barcelona, after first‑choice Thibaut Courtois was ruled out with flu, according to Sportskeeda.
What happened
The club announced Lunin’s selection for the match on 25 October 2026, despite him not having played an official game since May. The decision follows Courtois’ unavailability and a suspension for Vinícius Jr, leaving the squad without its regular starter in goal.
What the reports add
Sportskeeda notes that fans posted mixed reactions, praising the overall lineup but highlighting anxiety over Lunin’s match rhythm. One fan comment read, “Lunin hasn’t played an official game since May… I don’t trust him like I used to.” The outlet also lists the full starting XI, with Federico Valverde at right‑back, Marc Cucurella at left‑back, Dean Huijsen and Ibrahima Konaté in central defence, Aurélien Tchouaméni as the pivot, Bernardo Silva supporting, Arda Güler and Yan Diomandé on the wings, Jude Bellingham in attacking midfield, and Kylian Mbappé leading the attack.
What was said
Jose Mourinho was quoted saying, “The feeling is that Real Madrid is like that… But I’m not looking for more. I give credit to my players when they do well and criticize the coach when he doesn’t,” as reported by Sportskeeda. He also commented on external expectations, stating, “Returning to the Clasico? There are at least two per season. It doesn’t matter who the coach is; what’s important is the global significance of the Clasico.”
How it came about
The lineup follows a recent 2‑0 loss to Barcelona earlier in the season and a 2‑1 defeat to Atletico Madrid on 20 September, where Real played with ten men after Dean Huijsen’s dismissal. Earlier reports also highlighted Courtois’ flu and Vinícius Jr’s suspension after a red card on 11 October, leaving the squad to adjust its personnel ahead of the decisive league clash.
Key facts
- Andriy Lunin starts as goalkeeper for Real Madrid in El Clásico (sportskeeda.com)
- Thibaut Courtois is unavailable due to flu (sportskeeda.com)
- Fans expressed distrust in Lunin’s readiness, citing lack of game time since May (sportskeeda.com)
- Jose Mourinho said Real Madrid is still a work in progress (sportskeeda.com)
- Vinícius Jr is suspended for the match after a red card (sportskeeda.com)
Sources
- [1] sportskeeda.com — originally reported as “"I don't trust him" - Real Madrid fans question star player's inclusion in El Clasico starting XI vs Barcelona”
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