Real Madrid's 2-1 (5-1 aggregate) win over Manchester City in the Champions League last 16 was marred by Thibaut Courtois' injury. The Belgian goalkeeper came off at half-time for Andriy Lunin.
There didn't appear to be an issue with Courtois during the first half, which included a fine save to deny Erling Haaland. He ensured Los Blancos were one-nil ahead at the break following Vinicius Junior's opener from the penalty spot.
Courtois didn't appear for the second half as Alvaro Arbeloa turned to Lunin. The Ukrainian shot-stopper's rare appearance had many questioning the extent of his fellow goalkeeper's injury.
Courtois injured before Man City win
According to Spanish outlet COPE (via Madrid Zone), Courtois injured himself in the warm-up before the game at the Etihad. The 33-year-old was between the sticks for 45 minutess while dealing with the issue.
Arbeloa gave an update following the win and explained why the change was made. He said (via Madrid Universal):
"Courtois had some minor discomfort and we've substituted him out as a precaution. I think he'll be available for Sunday against Atlético de Madrid."
The Belgian made 41st appearance of the season in the win over City. Arbeloa will be eager to have him available for the Madrid derby on Sunday (March 22nd).
Los Blancos' number one was sublime even with an injury, the latest of countless brilliant performances. He made four saves and one high claim, and it wasn't until he was subbed off for the second half that Haaland scored, and the team conceded.
Vinicius sealed a victory late on with a fine finish, meeting Aurelien Tchouameni's cross. City were reduced to 10 men in the first half when Bernardo Silva stopped a goal-bound effort from the Brazilian by using his arm.
Arbeloa calls Courtois 'best of all-time'
Courtois has been crucial for Madrid ever since he arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu in August 2018. He has won every major trophy as Los Blancos' number one and is chasing a third Champions League winners' medal this season.
Arbeloa waxed lyrical about the former Chelsea shot-stopper following the win. He told reporters:
“Courtois best in the world? I think in history.”
That is a bold claim to make given the list of goalkeeping royalty that have left their mark on the game. Iker Casillas, Gianluigi Buffon, Manuel Neuer and Petr Cech may have something to say about it.
But Courtois has been faultless at the Bernabeu, producing unbelievable performances including in the biggest games. His goalkeeping display in the 1-0 win over Liverpool in the 2022 Champions League final is arguably the best of any shot-stopper in the competition's history.