Real Madrid’s first‑choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will be sidelined for the upcoming LaLiga Clásico against Barcelona after a bout of flu forced him to withdraw at the last minute. The 34‑year‑old, who has been instrumental in Madrid’s recent successes, will be replaced by Andriy Lunin, 27, who has served as the club’s reliable backup in recent campaigns, including the 2024 Champions League final run.
The announcement came from the club on Sunday, noting that Courtois’ illness meant he could not travel to Camp Nou for the match. In his place, Illia Voloshyn has been called up to the squad. Madrid will enter the fixture with a six‑point deficit to the league leaders, Barcelona, and under pressure after two LaLiga defeats this season – one at Real Betis and another at Atlético Madrid. Barcelona, meanwhile, remain unbeaten in the league.
Madrid’s form has seen an uptick since the international break, with Courtois playing a starring role in the team’s 4‑1 Champions League victory over RB Leipzig earlier in the week. His absence in the Clásico is therefore felt keenly, as the side looks to arrest a run of poor domestic results. Lunin, who has been a regular deputy for the Belgian international, will need to step up in a high‑stakes match that could have significant implications for the title race.
In addition to the goalkeeper change, Barcelona will also be without Vinícius Júnior, who remains suspended for four domestic games. The match at Camp Nou promises to be a tightly contested affair, with both sides eager to secure a win. Madrid will aim to leverage their recent Champions League form, while Barcelona will look to maintain their unbeaten streak and close the gap in the standings. The outcome of the Clásico could set the tone for the remainder of the season and influence the battle for the Spanish title.