Real Madrid’s coaches had doubts over Andriy Lunin before Girona loss | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s attempt to defend their La Liga title suffered a blow last night with their 4-2 loss to Girona.

Barcelona will go 14 points clear of Los Blancos if they win against Rayo Vallecano tonight.

The Catalans will then need three more victories to secure the league, and Madrid were left to rue an injury to Thibaut Courtois.

The Belgian goalkeeper missed Tuesday’s game due to a stomach problem.

Andriy Lunin stepped in but did not cover himself in glory as an inspired Taty Castellanos ran riot and bagged four goals.

According to The Athletic, Madrid’s dressing-room sources were not surprised with the Ukrainian’s performance.

The club’s coaches already had their doubts about Lunin and had been disappointed by recent performances.

They are worried that he has not taken key messages they have tried to communicate to him in training on board.

Girona registered just five shots on target, and while the first and third goals were no fault of his, he could have done better to stop the other two.

Lunin has conceded 13 goals in 12 appearances this term, and Madrid need a better back-up goalie.

He has kept just four clean sheets in 17 games for the club and shipped 19 goals.

Lunin was in goal at the Club World Cup in February and failed to impress.

Madrid won the competition but conceded four goals in two matches, narrowly winning 5-3 against Al Hilal in the final.

The former Zorya Luhansk man is out of contract in 2024, and he is hoping to earn an extension.

His current performances have not done him any favours and Madrid could let him leave.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti will hope Courtois does not miss the upcoming crucial games.