Real Madrid Leave Lunin Out of Champions League Opener

Real Madrid will begin their 2026–27 Champions League campaign against Inter Milan without Andriy Lunin, as the Ukrainian goalkeeper has failed to make José Mourinho’s matchday squad.

The club published its roster for the first group-stage fixture, and Lunin’s name was absent. The day before, he had already missed first-team training in Madrid.

Instead, Mourinho will travel with three goalkeepers: undisputed No. 1 Thibaut Courtois, supported by Spaniards Sergio Mestre and Javi Navarro. Courtois remains the clear starter, with Mestre and Navarro drafted in behind him as cover.

Lunin is currently on Real Madrid’s injured list. The club’s press service confirmed that the Ukrainian has come down with the flu, and there is no clear timetable yet for his return to the squad.

The decision underlines a difficult spell for Courtois’s regular backup. He has not played a single minute this season. Last year, Lunin featured in 12 matches for Real Madrid, conceding 21 goals and recording just one clean sheet.

For now, the Champions League stage will open without him. Courtois stands in goal, Mestre and Navarro wait in the wings, and Lunin watches from the sidelines, waiting for the flu to pass and his next chance to arrive.