Real Madrid’s shock exit from the Copa del Rey was more than just a minor setback; it escalated into an internal crisis, sparking heated debates at Valdebebas. While explanations ranged from bad luck to collective errors, a clear trend emerged within the coaching staff, refusing to dilute responsibility and seeking the root of the problem beyond superficial headlines.
In the hours following the defeat, a meticulous analysis of every detail of the match began, fueled by a growing conviction that certain key positions were not up to the task. As the discussion deepened, one name emerged prominently in the coaching staff’s assessments, a name that could no longer be ignored after what transpired on the pitch.
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Andriy Lunin at the Heart of the Decision
Álvaro Arbeloa was the most vocal in his stance, believing that Andriy Lunin bears a direct share of the responsibility and that his performance against Albacete confirmed long-standing suspicions. Although the club acknowledged that the problem wasn’t solely individual, the coach believes that Thibaut Courtois in goal would have completely altered the course of the match.
For Arbeloa, the difference isn’t just about saves, but about the sense of security and authority a goalkeeper provides his team in difficult moments, an element he believes was completely absent with Lunin in goal.
The Third Goal… The Decisive Moment
The moment that sealed Lunin’s fate was Albacete’s third goal. On that play, the coach spotted a compound error from Andriy Lunin: poor positioning, a delayed reaction, and a lack of focus at a crucial moment. Even more concerning, according to sources close to the coaching staff, was the fact that the attempt lacked the necessary drive expected from a Real Madrid goalkeeper.
In Arbeloa’s view, this wasn’t just a one-off mistake, but a reflection of a deeper problem related to mental readiness and competitive spirit in big matches.
Courtois is a Constant and Lunin’s Future is Fading
At Valdebebas, there is no question about Thibaut Courtois’s status as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper. The real crisis lies in the fact that, according to Arbeloa, Andriy Lunin failed to capitalize on the opportunities he was given to prove himself as a reliable substitute, instead reinforcing doubts about his ability to handle the pressure of wearing that shirt.
Therefore, Arbeloa clearly informed the management that Lunin’s continued presence was not in the best interest of the sporting project, believing that his ongoing presence would complicate the team’s future plans rather than support them.
The defeat against Albacete could be the decisive turning point. While Real Madrid is solidifying its reliance on Courtois as its primary goalkeeper, it seems that Andriy Lunin’s time at the Bernabéu is nearing its end, and the Copa del Rey exit could mark the beginning of the countdown to his departure.
