MANCHESTER, England – Real Madrid advanced to the Champions League quarterfinals Tuesday night, defeating Manchester City 4-1 on aggregate despite a concerning halftime substitution of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian international was replaced by Andriy Lunin at the break during the second leg at the Etihad Stadium, sparking immediate questions about his fitness. However, initial reports suggest the change was precautionary, stemming from a muscle overload and not a recurrence of previous injuries.
The incident occurred during a dominant performance by Real Madrid, who secured their place in the last eight after a commanding first half saw them take a firm grip on the tie. Vinicius Junior scored a penalty after a handball by Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, adding to Madrid’s already substantial advantage from the first leg. The substitution of Courtois, though, cast a slight shadow over an otherwise impressive display.
Courtois Dealing with Right Adductor Issue
According to reports from Spanish broadcaster Onda Cero, Courtois was experiencing discomfort in his right adductor muscle. This issue appeared to develop during the first half, prompting concern among the Real Madrid medical staff. The club opted for a cautious approach, removing their starting goalkeeper at halftime to prevent any potential aggravation of the problem.
This isn’t the first fitness concern surrounding Courtois in recent weeks. He had been dealing with a lingering hamstring strain throughout the week leading up to the match against Manchester City, raising questions about his availability. Despite the hamstring issue, he was deemed fit enough to start, but the adductor problem ultimately led to his removal.
Arbeloa Downplays Severity of Injury
Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa sought to allay fears about the severity of Courtois’s condition after the match. While details remain limited, Arbeloa indicated the substitution was a preventative measure. “It was a precautionary change,” Arbeloa reportedly said, according to HLN. “We didn’t wish to risk anything with Thibaut.”
The decision to substitute Courtois highlights the importance of squad depth in a demanding competition like the Champions League. Lunin, who has proven to be a reliable backup, entered the match and maintained Real Madrid’s advantage, contributing to their comfortable victory. Lunin has conceded eight goals in three games to date in the 2025-26 season.
Not a Repeat of Last Season’s Knee Injury
Crucially, the current issue appears unrelated to the serious knee injury that sidelined Courtois for a significant portion of last season. That injury required a lengthy rehabilitation process, keeping him off the pitch for an extended period. This latest concern is described as a muscle overload, a less severe issue that is expected to have a shorter recovery timeline.
Impact on Upcoming Fixtures
The timing of Courtois’s injury is less than ideal for Real Madrid, as they prepare for a crucial derby match against Atletico Madrid this weekend at the Santiago Bernabéu. Marca reports that Courtois is “all but ruled out” of the derby, though further tests on Wednesday will confirm the extent of the problem.
The silver lining for Real Madrid is the upcoming international break, which will provide Courtois with two weeks to recover before the final stretch of the season. If the injury proves to be a minor strain, he could be back to full fitness within 7-10 days. A more serious tear, however, could sideline him for a longer period.
Lunin Ready to Step In
Should Courtois be unavailable for the derby or any subsequent matches, Real Madrid can turn to Andriy Lunin. The Ukrainian goalkeeper has demonstrated his capabilities when called upon, and Arbeloa will be confident in his ability to fill the void. Lunin made his first Real Madrid appearance since mid-January in this match.
The Champions League draw will take place on Friday, determining Real Madrid’s quarterfinal opponent. Regardless of who they face, the club will be hoping for a swift recovery for Courtois, their established number one goalkeeper. The team’s ability to navigate a potential period without their key shot-stopper will be a significant factor in their pursuit of European glory.
Real Madrid’s comfortable passage into the quarterfinals was further aided by Manchester City being reduced to ten men after Bernardo Silva’s red card. Vinicius Junior capitalized on the opportunity, converting the resulting penalty to extend Real Madrid’s lead. The team’s overall performance underscored their dominance in the tie, setting them up for a promising run in the knockout stages.
What’s Next for Real Madrid?
Real Madrid will undergo further medical evaluation of Thibaut Courtois on Wednesday to determine the full extent of his injury. The results will dictate his availability for the upcoming Madrid derby against Atletico. The Champions League quarterfinal draw is scheduled for Friday, March 27th, where Real Madrid will learn their next opponent. Fans can follow official updates on the club’s website and social media channels.
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