Sports
Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is preparing for his first appearance with Real Madrid this season, as he will guard the royal team's goal against Barcelona on Sunday evening in the El Clásico match, following the exclusion of Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois due to influenza. Courtois participated in the first 12 matches for Real Madrid this season, including 9 in La Liga and 3 in the Champions League, before his injury opened the door for Lunin to defend the team's goal in the upcoming encounter. Lunin has previously played in four El Clásico matches, during which Real Madrid secured three consecutive victories, starting with a 3-1 win in October 2022, then a 4-1 victory 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 saw a heavy 4-0 defeat against Barcelona on October 26, 2024, when he was the starting goalkeeper due to Courtois's injury. The Ukrainian goalkeeper has yet to keep a clean sheet in his previous El Clásico appearances, presenting a new challenge as he faces Barcelona, while Real Madrid aims to secure a win in one of the season's most prominent matches.
