Who will replace Courtois in El Clásico? Mourinho has made his choice
José Mourinho has been forced to make a crucial last-minute decision before El Clásico.
Details: According to renowned insider Fabrizio Romano, Andriy Lunin will start in goal for Real Madrid against Barcelona after Thibaut Courtois was ruled out of the match because of illness.
Real Madrid officially confirmed that Courtois is a late withdrawal due to a bout of flu. The Belgian had initially been expected to feature at Spotify Camp Nou, but his condition means Mourinho must turn to the Ukrainian goalkeeper for one of the biggest matches of the season. Illia Voloshyn has been added to the first-team squad in Courtois' place.
For Lunin, the assignment comes with almost no competitive rhythm this season. The Ukrainian has not featured in an official match for Real Madrid in the 2026/27 campaign, but he already knows what it is like to face Barcelona. If he starts as expected, this will be the fifth El Clásico of his career.
Lunin's record in his previous four Clásicos stands at three victories and one defeat. He has conceded seven goals in those matches and has yet to keep a clean sheet against Barcelona. This will also be his first Clásico away from home.
It is worth noting that Lunin's most recent official appearance for Real Madrid came on May 3, 2026, when the Madrid side defeated Espanyol 2-0.
Reminder: Mourinho drops a Clásico bomb! Valverde set for a stunning new role against Barcelona
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
