Lunin says daily work helped Real Madrid edge Barcelona in Clasico

Andriy Lunin said Real Madrid’s discipline, fighting spirit and collective effort were decisive as they beat Barcelona 2-1 in the Clasico at Spotify Camp Nou.

The Ukraine goalkeeper started in place of Thibaut Courtois, who missed the match because of a severe cold, and produced an important display. His most significant contribution came when he denied a dangerous Barcelona attempt with the score at 1-1.

Lunin acknowledged that playing away from home makes a match more difficult, but said Real Madrid’s determination to win ultimately made the difference.

“Discipline and fighting spirit, because we really wanted to win the match,” Lunin said. “Playing away from home is more difficult, but we got three very important points.”

Lunin highlights work behind decisive save

Asked about his key intervention, Lunin pointed to the influence of goalkeeping coach Nuno in helping him develop his game.

The goalkeeper said Nuno’s repeated assessment of “good training” underlined the importance of the work carried out every day and the need to remain prepared at all times.

Lunin also stressed that major matches require the entire team to remain united. Real Madrid, he said, must be able to withstand pressure and difficult moments until the final whistle, particularly when facing opponents of Barcelona’s quality.

The victory was Real Madrid’s fifth in a row, but Lunin warned that the team cannot afford to become satisfied with its recent results. He said the priority was to continue improving and to remain on the right path during the next stage of the season.

The Ukraine international also discussed Real Madrid’s ability to settle matches in the closing minutes. He said the club had demonstrated that characteristic over the past few years, while insisting that the players still needed to focus more closely on their work on the pitch.

Real Madrid’s ambitions, Lunin added, meant the squad had to continue working harder rather than relying on its previous successes.

Barcelona are listed to face Deportivo Alaves in La Liga on 31 October 2026.

Racing Santander are scheduled to play Real Madrid in La Liga on 01 November 2026.