Andriy Lunin Wins Praise After Real Madrid Performance

Andriy Lunin had to be Real Madrid's emergency goalkeeper for Sunday's Clasico, due to the fact that Thibaut Courtois showed up at Valdebebas with a fever and body aches, so he could not participate in the match. Jose Mourinho contacted Lunin to tell him he would have an important mission on Sunday: to start in El Clasico. The Ukrainian has become a specialist in emergencies and has responded greatly for the team.

Despite Raphinha's goal, Lunin's performance was extraordinary. He saved multiple dangerous shots, but without a doubt, the highlight was his great save on Gerard Martin's header that would have meant a 2-1 for the locals. "I like Nuno's phrase (the goalkeeping coach), who always says, 'well-trained, it is the daily work," the Ukrainian mentioned regarding his save.

"This is collective work; when you can dominate, you have to play well, put in everything you can, and try to keep a clean sheet. And when the match gets difficult, you have to know how to suffer, manage the match, and be a team until the end. It is important not to stop and not think too much about it so as not to get distracted; we have to keep improving because we have a lot to improve, the coach is new and we have to improve the ideas and everything," the Ukrainian stated at the end of the match.

One of the people most proud of the work done by the goalkeeper was, without a doubt, his coach. Because right at the end of the match, Mourinho went directly toward Lunin to hug him for the great performance he had in such an important match. "You have already asked me two questions and none about Lunin, but if we lose here with Lunin's mistakes, the first question would be about him," the Portuguese mentioned in the post-match press conference.

His captain, Valverde, also dedicated a few words to him in his post-match interview. "There are no words to describe what Lunin has done today and what he does every day; he has fewer minutes because Tibu is there, but he always gives his best and with a good face, and that shows that when his turn comes, he is prepared," he said.

Whether he will play next Sunday against Racing de Santander or not is unknown; we will see how the Belgian's recovery progresses. The important thing is that Madrid reiterates once again that, despite Courtois not being in goal, Lunin, who is one of its greatest guarantees, will be waiting for his opportunity to again show that he is a top-level goalkeeper. He has proven it in the past and will surely continue to do so in the future.