The Real Madrid has confirmed this Sunday, October 25, the last-minute absence of Thibaut Courtois for the Clásico against FC Barcelona due to a flu process. The Belgian goalkeeper will not be able to play the match corresponding to the tenth round of LaLiga EA Sports, scheduled for 9:00 PM at the Spotify Camp Nou, in an unexpected setback for José Mourinho's team just hours before one of the most important matches of the season. The absence of the goalkeeper forces the Portuguese coach to modify his plans and places Andriy Lunin as the main candidate to defend the Madrid goal against the team led by Hansi Flick.
The white club officially communicated the situation of the player during the morning of this Sunday. "Courtois is a last-minute absence due to a flu process", explained Real Madrid, which also announced the inclusion of the young Illia Voloshyn in the squad to cover the absence of the Belgian international. The team had initially included Courtois in the list of available players published on Saturday, so his indisposition represents a new absence that adds to the ones the Madrid players were already facing for their visit to Barcelona.
Lunin aims to be a starter in the Clásico after Courtois' absence
The absence of Courtois opens the door for Andriy Lunin, the second goalkeeper of Real Madrid, who is set to take the starting position at Camp Nou. The Ukrainian international has experience in major matches and has already had to assume the responsibility of defending the white goal during previous periods of absence of the Belgian goalkeeper.
Lunin was one of the protagonists of Real Madrid's journey in the Champions League of the 2023-2024 season, when he played decisive matches during Courtois' recovery from his serious knee injury. His performance was particularly relevant in the European knockout rounds, where he contributed to the team reaching the final of the competition.
Now, the Ukrainian goalkeeper has the opportunity to return to the starting eleven in a highly demanding match. Barcelona arrives at the Clásico as the highest-scoring team in LaLiga, with 39 goals in nine rounds, a figure that reflects the offensive potential of the team led by Flick and poses a significant challenge for the Madrid defense.
For the moment, Real Madrid has not officially announced who will be the starting goalkeeper, although Lunin is the natural alternative to Courtois. The final decision will be known when Mourinho communicates the lineup for the match.
Who is Illia Voloshyn, the goalkeeper called up by Mourinho
To complete the call-up, Real Madrid has called Illia Voloshyn, a 19-year-old Ukrainian goalkeeper who is part of the youth categories of the entity. Born on January 15, 2007 in Novomoskovsk (Ukraine), the young goalkeeper joined the Madrid youth academy in 2024 after going through Spanish football in the youth categories of Novelda and Rayo Majadahonda.
Voloshyn has been progressing within the club's structure and this season is part of Real Madrid C, after having gone through the youth teams. In addition, he has been an international with the Ukraine U-20 national team and counts among his achievements the 2026 Youth League.
His inclusion responds to the need to complete the roster of available goalkeepers for the match against Barcelona. Voloshyn joins Lunin and Sergio Mestre in a call-up that had to be modified a few hours before the start of the match.
Mourinho loses Courtois and Vinícius for a decisive Clásico
The absence of the Belgian goalkeeper poses a new problem for José Mourinho, who already knew he could not count on Vinícius Júnior due to the four-match suspension imposed after his expulsion against Villarreal. The Brazilian forward will have to serve his second match of suspension, so Real Madrid will arrive at Camp Nou without two of their usual players.
These absences are joined by Rodrygo Goes and Raúl Asencio, who continue to recover from their respective injuries. The infirmary and the suspensions thus condition the preparation for a match that is especially important for the aspirations of the Madrid team.
The Barcelona leads LaLiga with 27 points after winning their first nine matches, while Real Madrid occupies third place with 21 points, six behind their main rival. A victory for the whites would reduce the difference to three points, while a defeat would widen the gap to nine.
Flick's team, for its part, also faces the match with significant absences. Dani Olmo, Jules Koundé, Eric García, Andreas Christensen, and Roony Bardghji will not be available for the German coach, who will have to reorganize some positions in his lineup.
When does Barcelona play against Real Madrid
The Clásico between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid will be held this Sunday, October 25, starting at 21:00 hours, at Spotify Camp Nou, in a match corresponding to the tenth round of LaLiga EA Sports.
The match can be followed on television through DAZN and Orange TV, according to the information provided by Real Madrid in its official call-up.
The absence of Thibaut Courtois, confirmed a few hours before the match, modifies one of the positions that seemed secured in Mourinho's lineup. Lunin will have the opportunity to take responsibility in goal in a confrontation that could be decisive for the white team's aspirations to close the gap with Barcelona in the standings.