Real Madrid will be without the services of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois just hours ahead of their clash against Barcelona, after the Belgian international was unexpectedly ruled out of El Clásico, forcing José Mourinho to adjust his plans between the posts.
Los Blancos announced the exclusion of their starting goalkeeper from Sunday evening’s match at Spotify Camp Nou, part of La Liga’s tenth round, despite having previously been among the coaching staff’s available selection options.
In their official statement, Real Madrid explained: “Courtois is a late withdrawal due to contracting the flu,” while confirming the call-up of young goalkeeper Illya Voloshyn to replace him in the matchday squad, without specifying a date for the Belgian’s return.
Andriy Lunin emerges as the primary candidate to start in goal for Real Madrid against Barcelona, whereas Voloshyn’s call-up serves to complete the goalkeeping roster rather than signaling a starting role, with the final decision resting on the lineup Mourinho officially announces.
Lunin possesses prior El Clásico experience, having featured in four matches against Barcelona and securing three victories, including a 4-1 win in the Spanish Super Cup final and a 3-2 triumph in the second league fixture of the 2023–2024 season.
However, the Ukrainian goalkeeper’s most recent appearance against their Catalan rivals ended in a 4-0 defeat for Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu in October 2024, when Robert Lewandowski scored twice, alongside goals from Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
With Courtois absent, Real Madrid loses one of its most vital anchors, as his saves have frequently offset defensive errors and rescued the team in marquee fixtures. This importance was reflected in the board’s moves to secure his long-term future, as both parties—according to Fabrizio Romano—reached an agreement to extend his contract until June 2028 instead of 2027, pending final administrative steps and official announcement, ensuring the Belgian remains in goal for Madrid until age 36.
Real Madrid enters El Clásico trailing Barcelona by six points, needing a victory to narrow the gap to three points, whereas a defeat would expand the distance to nine points—doubling the significance of a fixture they must navigate without their first-choice goalkeeper.
