Rumors about Andriy Lunin are confirmed, the news is now official.

Andriy Lunin is a very important piece for Real Madrid's locker room despite the few minutes he has accumulated on the field. The Ukrainian has become Thibaut Courtois's eternal substitute, but he has managed to earn his place by helping and supporting his teammates. Everyone speaks highly of him, with Xabi Alonso being one of those who value his attitude and commitment the most.

Although his role is that of a backup goalkeeper, his behind-the-scenes influence is real at Real Madrid. His presence in training sessions, on the bench, and in the locker room brings a necessary balance to the group. That involvement has earned him respect even without playing regularly.

The incident from El Clásico that changed everything

Andriy Lunin has been a main protagonist in recent days because of what happened in El Clásico between Real Madrid and Barça. Although he didn't play, he was involved in the scuffle at the end of the match and, to the surprise of many, ended up being sent off. According to the referee's report signed by César Soto Grado, Lunin left his bench toward the opponent in a manner the referee considered unsportsmanlike, which earned him a red card.

Los Blancos tried to appeal the sanction, arguing that his actions were meant to restrain and not aggressive. However, the Disciplinary Committee of the Royal Spanish Football Federation dismissed the appeal and confirmed the imposed sanction.

The sanction is now official for Real Madrid

Rumors have been confirmed: Andriy Lunin has been sanctioned with a one-match ban for what happened in El Clásico and won't be available for Madrid - Valencia. His absence means the backup goalkeeper won't be on the bench and Xabi Alonso will have to face the match without his usual support from the sidelines.

Although Lunin wasn't going to be a starter, his mere presence in the locker room and on the bench carries great emotional weight. For Real Madrid and for Xabi Alonso, every member of the group matters, with the absence of the Ukrainian goalkeeper altering that invisible but important dynamic within the team.

The match Real Madrid faces gains significance in the fight for the lead, with Andriy Lunin's absence felt beyond the sporting aspect. Xabi Alonso must manage a competitive and cohesive team, where every player contributes to the group's mental balance. Lunin, in that sense, represents the value of silent commitment and constant work.