Why was Thibaut Courtois subbed off for Lunin by Real Madrid vs Manchester City in Champions League?
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off at halftime during Tuesday’s Champions League Round of 16 clash against Manchester City, with Andriy Lunin entering in relief. According to a report from Spain’s Onda Cero, the Belgian veteran appeared to aggravate a overloaded right abductor during the first half at the Etihad Stadium.
Courtois entered the high-stakes second leg under a cloud of fitness concerns, having struggled with a lingering hamstring strain throughout the week.
Despite entering the second leg with a commanding aggregate lead over Manchester City, the loss of their primary “guardian” between the posts has cast a sudden shadow over Los Merengues’ otherwise dominant European campaign.
While Courtois has remained Alvaro Arbeloa’s primary choice for the competition, the Ukrainian international Lunin has proved a reliable deputy.
Is it the same injury that Courtois suffered last season?
Fortunately for Real Madrid, Courtois has avoided a repeat of the devastating knee injury that sidelined him last season. While his previous absence was a long-term recovery battle, today’s halftime exit was reportedly a precautionary move due to muscle overload in his right abductor.
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With the club competing on multiple fronts, any extended period without its star shot-stopper would present a massive hurdle for Arbeloa’s squad.
Real Madrid were already holding a comfortable aggregate lead over City, with the Ukrainian keeper tasked with protecting that advantage to secure their place in the final eight.
