Real Madrid are set to face Bayern Munich in a high-stakes UEFA Champions League quarter-final without one of their most crucial figures – Thibaut Courtois.
The Belgian goalkeeper’s absence across both legs forces a significant change between the sticks, with Andriy Lunin set to take over responsibility in what is arguably the biggest test of his Real Madrid career so far.
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While losing Courtois is undeniably a setback, Lunin is no stranger to stepping up when called upon.
This season, the Ukrainian shot-stopper is set to make his third appearance in this season’s Champions League campaign.
In fact, he has already featured in the group stage clash against Olympiacos and also played a role in the knockout stages, coming on during the second leg against Manchester City, the same match where Courtois was injured.
Despite limited opportunities, Lunin has built a reputation as a reliable backup, one capable of delivering when the pressure is at its highest.
Real Madrid’s record with Lunin
Looking at the bigger picture, his record in Europe offers optimism for Real Madrid.
Lunin is set to face a very different kind of test. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
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Simply put, across the last four seasons, Lunin has played 14 Champions League matches, registering seven wins, five draws, and just two defeats.
Those losses came during last season’s group stage, against Lille and AC Milan.
Defensively, his numbers remain respectable, having conceded 19 goals in those appearances while also keeping three clean sheets – notably against Braga, RB Leipzig, and during his recent contribution at the Etihad.
Of course, statistics only tell part of the story, as facing Bayern Munich in a Champions League quarter-final is an entirely different challenge.
The German giants possess one of the most dangerous attacking units in Europe, and any margin for error will be minimal.
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For Lunin, though, this is an opportunity to prove he can be trusted on the biggest stage.
In the past, he has proved to be a worthy replacement, as everyone remembers his heroic performance against Manchester City in 2024.