“My thing is always the same: prepare for each match, be ready, and help in any way I can.” Andriy Lunin does not need grand speeches to define himself. The way he explains himself is the same way he competes: direct, sober, and without noise.

Being a backup goalkeeper at Real Madrid is probably one of the most complex roles in elite football. Even more so when ahead of you is Thibaut Courtois, the best of all. By far and unanimously.

That is why the Ukrainian, condemned to live in the shadows, fights a silent battle every day, the battle of training each day as if you are going to play, knowing that opportunities will be minimal. Or directly nonexistent… but football and life are what they are.

Once again, a Courtois injury gives a great opportunity to Lunin. After again demonstrating over 45 minutes at the Etihad that he has what it takes between the posts, the Ukrainian will be Real Madrid’s goalkeeper during the six weeks the Belgian will be sidelined, starting with the capital derby on Sunday.

The Ukrainian responds like an exemplary professional. Constant work, impeccable attitude, and total commitment. A teammate any European giant would want in its locker room. Far from settling, he has made his mentality his greatest strength, honing it to always be prepared for when his moment comes.

“As a goalkeeper, you don’t want to concede even one chance. You want to keep a clean sheet. This is the Champions League, this is City, and we knew what we were up against,” he explained. And there is something unusual about Lunin. Every time he plays, he transmits a confidence uncharacteristic of someone with so little continuity.

His growth at the club has not been immediate or easy, but it has been constant. Each season, he has added another layer of security to his game and, above all, to his mindset.

On Tuesday, Courtois’ injury opened the door for him again. Just a few minutes of warm-up and straight into the spotlight. Result: 45 minutes, a clean sheet, and three notable saves. The most outstanding was a low save to a shot from Erling Haaland from the penalty spot. He would repeat it later to frustrate the Norwegian.

At the most delicate moment, when Madrid was suffering in Manchester, the team held together thanks to the gloves of a goalkeeper who was not invited … but who showed up again. Silent, cool, precise. And decisive. Because Lunin is that: the best supporting actor in the world. And a blessing for Madrid, who will have him in goal on Sunday for the derby and can also rest easy.

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