Photo: x.com/realmadriden
Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has been handed an unexpected chance to start for Real Madrid in the La Liga clash against Barcelona on October 25 after Thibaut Courtois fell ill.
According to Real Madrid’s official website, the Belgian goalkeeper was ruled out at the last minute with acute flu.
Lunin to make his first appearance of the season
Courtois is set to miss his first match across all competitions this season. He had started 12 consecutive games, conceding 14 goals and keeping two clean sheets.
Lunin is expected to take his place in goal for the high-profile encounter at Camp Nou. It would be the Ukrainian’s first official appearance for Real Madrid this season.
Courtois’ late withdrawal also prompted Real Madrid to call up another Ukrainian goalkeeper. Nineteen-year-old Illia Voloshyn, who plays for the club’s under-19 side, was added to the first-team squad as a replacement.
La Liga standings ahead of El Clásico
Barcelona lead the La Liga table with 27 points from nine matches. Real Madrid are third on 21 points, six behind their rivals.
The match between Barcelona and Real Madrid is scheduled for October 25, with kickoff at 10 p.m. Kyiv time.
