Real Madrid are set to face Bayern Munich in a high-stakes UEFA Champions League quarter-final with out certainly one of their most important figures – Thibaut Courtois.
The Belgian goalkeeper’s absence throughout each legs forces a big change between the sticks, with Andriy Lunin set to take over duty in what’s arguably the largest take a look at of his Real Madrid profession thus far.
Advertisement
While shedding Courtois is undeniably a setback, Lunin is not any stranger to stepping up when known as upon.
This season, the Ukrainian shot-stopper is about to make his third look in this season’s Champions League marketing campaign.
In truth, he has already featured in the group stage conflict towards Olympiacos and likewise performed a job in the knockout levels, approaching through the second leg towards Manchester City, the identical match the place Courtois was injured.
Despite restricted alternatives, Lunin has constructed a popularity as a dependable backup, one able to delivering when the stress is at its highest.
Real Madrid’s report with Lunin
Looking at the larger image, his report in Europe affords optimism for Real Madrid.
Lunin is about to face a really completely different form of take a look at. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Advertisement
Simply put, throughout the final 4 seasons, Lunin has performed 14 Champions League matches, registering seven wins, 5 attracts, and simply two defeats.
Those losses got here throughout final season’s group stage, towards Lille and AC Milan.
Defensively, his numbers stay respectable, having conceded 19 objectives in these appearances whereas additionally conserving three clear sheets – notably towards Braga, RB Leipzig, and through his current contribution at the Etihad.
Of course, statistics solely inform a part of the story, as dealing with Bayern Munich in a Champions League quarter-final is a wholly completely different problem.
The German giants possess one of the harmful attacking models in Europe, and any margin for error can be minimal.
Advertisement
For Lunin, although, this is a chance to show he will be trusted on the largest stage.
In the previous, he has proved to be a worthy substitute, as everybody remembers his heroic efficiency towards Manchester City in 2024.
