Real Madrid suffer major blow as star set to miss Bayern Munich Champions League clash

Real Madrid will face Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinals, in April.

Published on: Mar 19, 2026, 21:33:56 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Ahead of their crucial La Liga fixture vs Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid have suffered a huge setback, losing goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to injury. The goalkeeper will also miss the Champions League quarterfinal showdown vs Bayern Munich in April. Back-up goalkeeper Andriy Lunin will now take over the goalkeeping responsibility.

Real Madrid players celebrate a goal against Manchester City. (AFP)

The Belgian sustained the injury during Tuesday's Champions League Round of 16 second leg tie against Manchester. Lunin replaced him at half-time as the Spanish side won 5-1 on aggregate. According to reports, Courtois is set to be out of action for the next six weeks.

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Speaking after the second leg win vs City, Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa said, "Courtois had some discomfort and wanted to continue, but it wasn’t necessary to take any risks because in four days we have another final: a very important derby and a very challenging match. The good thing is also having a goalkeeper like Lunin, who has been frankly good in the second half and has been solid. From here, I want to congratulate him because what he does every time he gets the opportunity to defend Real Madrid’s goal isn’t easy."

But since then, Madrid have confirmed Courtois' injury. "Following tests carried out today on our player Thibaut Courtois by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in the rectus femoris of his right quadriceps. His recovery will be monitored," the club said in a statement.

Courtois' absence will be a huge setback for the La Liga club. Lunin's best season with Madrid came in 2023-24, where he took advantage of Courtois' long-term absence due to another injury. He famously saved two penalties in the Champions League quarterfinal vs Manchester City.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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