Courtois ruled out of Clásico, Lunin to start

Thibaut Courtois will miss tonight's Clásico against Barcelona at Spotify Camp Nou, the tenth round of LaLiga. According to Mundo Deportivo, the Belgian goalkeeper has been ruled out at the last minute with a flu-like illness, and Andriy Lunin will take his place in goal for Real Madrid.

The Ukrainian has not played a competitive match since May, against Espanyol, so this will be his first appearance of the season. Young goalkeeper Illia Voloshyn has also been added to the squad for the match.

Much more than three points

Barcelona could move nine points clear of Real Madrid and open a gap on Atlético, who moved to just two points behind them only yesterday. Barça are also chasing the best start to a league season on record, having won ten matches in a row.

The game also comes amid a breakdown in relations between the two clubs. Florentino Pérez and José Mourinho have pushed a narrative of referee victimhood, and a Barcelona win would undermine that message.

The Clásico is an opportunity for Barça to strengthen their lead and land a sporting and symbolic blow on their greatest rival, while Real Madrid must adjust their plans in goal.