Real Madrid's goalkeeper Andrey Lunin began the new 2023/24 season of Spain's top division in the starting lineup. In an important match against Athletic Club, the 24-year-old Ukrainian took to the field from the start and confidently defended his team's goal, replacing Thibaut Courtois. The match score — 2:0 in favor of Real Madrid — validates Carlo Ancelotti's decision. Goals were scored by Rodrigo (28) and Bellingham (36).
Notably, this match against Athletic on August 12 marked Andrey Lunin's 5th consecutive clean sheet.
To note, Thibaut Courtois sustained an anterior cruciate ligament tear before the start of the La Liga season, leading to surgery. This means that Courtois will be sidelined for at least six months.
Real Madrid's match against Athletic in the new La Liga season proved to be quite successful for Lunin. He didn't let in a single goal in the 90 minutes, making a fantastic save, punching the ball away three times, and intercepting two crosses. Moreover, Andrey had almost 50 touches of the ball, made about 30 accurate passes (90% of all passes), and cleared the ball 3 times. SofaScore rated Lunin's performance at 7.5, while WhoScored rated it at 7.3.
Ancelotti had kind words about Lunin's performance during a press conference: "Andrey did very well. He was calm and very focused. He handled the aerial balls well, and collected them efficiently from behind. He didn't have many opportunities to shine, but he definitely showcased his security and concentration."
The opening match against Athletic was Lunin's 18th game for Real Madrid. In previous matches, the 24-year-old goalkeeper conceded 19 goals. During the last offseason, the Ukrainian impressed: he only let in two goals scored by AC Milan and made several excellent saves.
He continues to work hard and put in the effort to make this season better than the last. He is striving to become the number one at Real Madrid, the best club in the world.
Andrey Lunin's contract with Real Madrid is set to run until June 30, 2024. He made his debut for the main Real squad in the Copa del Rey 2020-2021, and his first La Liga match was in May 2022. A few days ago, the Ukrainian informed the Madrid club's management that he does not intend to leave the team after this contract ends. Transfermarkt estimates Lunin's transfer value at 5 million euros. Soon, Lunin will face serious competition for a place in the main squad. It's known that Chelsea's goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga, is preparing to leave the London club and sign a contract with Real. Ancelotti recently stated that everyone at Real trusts the Ukrainian goalkeeper and that he will be in the starting lineup as long as Courtois is absent. However, he did not rule out the arrival of another goalkeeper to intensify the competition for the said position, referring specifically to Kepa.
The Brave GK Reaction goalkeeper gloves are a new exclusive development of the brand, based on the legendary Phantome model.
Lunin's Brave GK Reaction gloves are designed with a modern touch, using cutting-edge German latex, featuring 3D elements and a unique thumb structure. Notably, the thumb is made of fabric, and the top is partially covered with a stretch mesh for a more comfortable hand bend of the goalkeeper.
Between the Backhand and the latex strap, there is a slit which also contributes to efficient play without discomfort for the hands. The Brave GK Reaction goalkeeper gloves are a splendid balance between control and freedom.
