Real Madrid outcast to get rare start against Talavera in Copa del Rey | OneFootball

Real Madrid are preparing to kick off their Copa del Rey campaign with a clear rotation strategy in mind, and one of the most notable decisions is set to come between the posts. 

According to journalist Mario Cortegana in The Athletic, the current plan is for Andriy Lunin to start in goal against CF Talavera on Wednesday, with Thibaut Courtois expected to be rested for the occasion.

The goalkeeping hierarchy at Real Madrid is firmly established. Courtois remains the undisputed number one, enjoying a level of trust and status that few goalkeepers in world football can rival. 

Lunin, despite his quality and professionalism, has had to accept a secondary role, waiting patiently for opportunities that rarely come in La Liga or the Champions League.

Opportunity for Lunin

As such, the Copa del Rey offers a different context. With a demanding run of fixtures ahead, Xabi Alonso is expected to rotate across multiple positions, from defence to attack. 

Lunin will replace Courtois against Talavera. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

The trip to face Talavera is seen as the right moment to manage workloads, protect key players, and give minutes to those who have featured less prominently so far this season.

Within that plan, Lunin’s inclusion feels logical rather than symbolic. The Ukrainian goalkeeper has consistently shown that he can be relied upon when called upon, even if his appearances have been few and far between. 

While Lunin’s talent is not in doubt, the fact of the matter is that he is not viewed as a genuine alternative to Courtois in the long-term pecking order. 

His role, for now, is that of a high-level deputy, trusted to step in during rotation or necessity, but not to challenge the Belgian’s status.

So far this season, Lunin has appeared just once for Real Madrid, featuring in the UEFA Champions League victory over Olympiacos, which was a dramatic 4-3 win.