"Real" was once again severely defeated by "Barcelona", this time conceding five goals in the Spanish Supercup final. The difference is that in this match, not Lunin, but Thibaut Courtois started in goal. FootBoom readers logically became interested in what the reaction of "Real" fans was to this defeat and whether they blamed Courtois for the goals conceded, as happened in those matches when Lunin let in many goals. I will say right away that I had no intention of showing Lunin in a good or bad light, but wanted to find out about the real situation among fans. Therefore, only comments in Spanish and on "Real" themed forums were taken into account, and not random people from other continents.
To put it briefly, Courtois really has strong support from fans, even after such defeats. Most comments boil down to the fact that Thibaut managed to save "Real" from an even greater humiliation. And if Lunin had been in goal, according to the fans, the Madrid club would have conceded not 5, but 7-8 goals.
Andrade: We all have many questions for Ancelotti. Almost all matches against top clubs this season have been failures. "Real" is not ready to fight for trophies, we look like clowns in defense. But I definitely have no questions for the coaching staff about why Courtois is in goal and not Lunin. Even in such a disappointing match for everyone, he was up to scratch.
Corazon: It is hard to choose the best player in such a match, but if you force me to do it, I will name Courtois. If it weren't for his fantastic play, the score would have been double digits. Lunin usually plays at the same level as the defenders in such matches.
Ancho: On paper, "Real" has the best squad in the world. It would seem we should easily win all matches in all tournaments. In reality, many players have started to play worse recently. There are no questions only for Courtois and Valverde; they are working at maximum capacity.
Teado: Lunin and Courtois are goalkeepers of approximately the same level today. The Belgian is no longer what he used to be but can pull through a match. The Ukrainian is indeed progressing, but he still lacks the composure and stability that Courtois possesses. The future belongs to Lunin, but for the next one or two seasons, Thibaut will still be the starter.
Jancarl: What is the coaching staff doing? They say Ancelotti doesn't even attend matches of the youth team and the academy. He does not try to find talented young players, of which there are many in our club. Carlo makes the simplest decisions. It seems he is already tired of "Real" himself because he doesn’t know whether to start Courtois or Lunin, has "forgotten" about Asensio, and hasn’t criticized Mbappé in a long time. I think this is the last season for the Italian.
Resino: The difference between Courtois and Lunin is that the Belgian has authority in the team. Even though he conceded 5 goals, no one is going to criticize him. And no one will say Lunin should be in goal in the next match. The Ukrainian is no worse as a player, but he hasn’t become a "Real" level footballer in terms of image and authority. Therefore, he sits on the bench.
Joya: Rodrygo, Mbappé, Vini, Fede, and Lunin, Arda, Endrick—are the only players who deserve to play and wear the "Real" jersey; the rest can be sent to the Saudi or Chinese Super League. Courtois, Modric, and other veterans can go; they are already the past of our club. We need to build a new team and get rid of all those who think too highly of themselves.
Rafa: Foolish people are already calling for Ancelotti to put Lunin in the starting lineup for the next match. But Courtois was the best in the match against "Barcelona," and Lunin was at the same level as everyone else who failed against the Catalans. Therefore, it is absurd to say that because Courtois conceded one more goal, he is the worse goalkeeper.
Ballesterro: Last season everything was achieved through individual talent. Viní Junior saved us in the UCL, as did Joselu and Lunin. Bellingham saved us and led us to victory in La Liga, the brilliant Kroos—moments of magic… In reality, what Carlo is doing with a team filled with the best players is a crime. As a result, the German ended his career, the Ukrainian sits on the bench waiting for Courtois to get injured, while Joselu was discarded in favor of the terrible Mbappé.
Fer: Courtois or Lunin? The choice is obvious! With all due respect to the Ukrainian and his achievements at "Real," he would have conceded many more goals yesterday, and the defenders would have acted even more uncertainly. As long as Courtois is healthy and in such form, he has to start.
Cien: Lunin is cold as a polar bear. He lacks the charisma to push Courtois out of the starting lineup. The Ukrainian is no worse than the Belgian in terms of play, but his authority among fans is extremely low due to Ancelotti. Everyone in the team loves Lunin, but until Carlo leaves, everyone will know the Ukrainian is just a "firefighter."
Fuego: Yes, as long as Ancelotti is not forced to use substitutes due to injuries, he will never rely on them. For example, Lunin last season. Courtois immediately returned to the starting lineup, even though the goalkeeper who took us through the season was not even given a place in the starting lineup in the Champions League final. Ancelotti trusts veterans and those who have been in the team for a long time. But that is not always the right tactic.
Carias: It is not worth looking at who conceded more goals—Lunin or Courtois. One should look at who saves the team most often. And that is the Belgian. If it weren't for him, "Barcelona" would have scored at least 7 goals yesterday. And how many times did the Ukrainian save the team in that disastrous match?
SuReal: My God, what an awful sight, and if it weren't for Valverde and Courtois, "Real" would have lost 0:8, no exaggeration. It is incredible how poorly we play against "Barcelona" this season.
Ermoso: Almost the whole team failed the game! Only Courtois routinely saved "Real," and Rodrygo and Mbappé showed themselves well, but that was not enough against such a strong opponent.
Tino: It seems to me that after all these serious injuries, Thibaut Courtois has dropped to the same level as Lunin. There is no longer a big difference between these goalkeepers. And that is bad. I like the Ukrainian; he can show a fantastic match, just like Courtois. But if the Belgian at such an age had a stable and reliable game in every match, Lunin is not distinguished by stability.
Estil: "Real's" problem is not in goalkeepers. "Barcelona" played with ten men, but our fearsome attack could do nothing against them. However, the Catalans almost scored more against us. I definitely have no questions about Courtois.
Camilo: You know why everyone criticized Lunin then but does not criticize Courtois now? The thing is that in the last match against "Barcelona," the Catalan goalkeeper—Peña—was working miracles and saved them 3-4 times from 100% goals. Lunin didn't save us at all then, even though he was not to blame for those goals. Yesterday, Courtois played reliably and made several saves, while the "Barcelona" goalkeeper played poorly and was even sent off. I lead to the fact that Lunin played worse than his colleague from "Barcelona" then, while Courtois played better. Therefore, one received criticism, while the other is praised.
Llego: I would say this: Courtois does not play perfectly; he makes mistakes and does not always save the team considering his height and flexibility. But even such Thibaut is better than the current Lunin. At the very least, he is no worse. That is why he will continue to start. The rest no longer matters.
Rivas: It is interesting now to read those who defend Courtois but criticized Lunin after the 0:4 defeat against "Barcelona." Back then and now, the goalkeepers were not to blame for the conceded goals. But if Courtois enjoys popular love among fans, Lunin is the guy from the meme who is only mentioned when something bad happens and help is needed.
