Real Madrid Champions League 2026–27: Lunin Out Against Inter Milan

Real Madrid will open its 2026–27 Champions League campaign against Inter Milan without Andriy Lunin.

The Ukrainian international has not been included in José Mourinho’s squad for the group-stage clash, with the club confirming he is currently on the injured list after coming down with the flu. Lunin had already missed the first team’s training session the day before the squad was announced, and there is no clear timeline yet for his return.

Mourinho will travel with three goalkeepers. Thibaut Courtois starts as the undisputed No. 1, supported by Spaniards Sergio Mestre and Javi Navarro, both promoted into the matchday group as cover. Neither has featured this season as Courtois’s deputy.

Lunin’s absence comes after a mixed previous campaign. The 25-year-old played 12 matches last season, conceding 21 goals and recording just one clean sheet. Those numbers, and Courtois’s status, already left him fighting for minutes. Now illness has taken him out of the picture at the very moment the European season kicks into gear.

Real Madrid’s decision and Lunin’s condition were reported via the club’s press service, as the “Whites” begin another tilt at the Champions League without their Ukrainian keeper in the traveling party.