"They will heavily regret that", "That's shocking" - Fans react as Real Madrid star dropped from country's starting XI for EURO 2024 clash

Fans reacted to Real Madrid star Andriy Lunin being dropped from the Ukraine national team.
Fans reacted to Real Madrid star Andriy Lunin being dropped from the Ukraine national team. (Image: Getty + @GhostRMCF Twitter)

Fans were stunned after Real Madrid star Andriy Lunin was surprisingly dropped from Ukraine's starting lineup to take on Slovakia in their second game of EURO 2024. The shotstopper was benched for Benfica youngster Anatoliy Trubin as Serhiy Rebrov's side hunt for their first victory of the competition.

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Lunin endured a horror showing in Ukraine's 3-0 loss to Romania on June 17. In the 29th minute, he cleared the ball straight to winger Dennis Man at the edge of the box, who promptly laid it off for midfielder Nicolae Stanciu to score.

While Razvan Marin's effort in the 53rd minute was struck well, the effort was within Lunin's reach. Although he got a palm to it, he couldn't get behind the ball as it crept under him and into the back of the net.

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The Real Madrid keeper's poor performance saw him fall down the pecking order immediately, with coach Rebrov opting for Trubin against Slovakia. Fans online were left somewhat confused by the decision.

@GhostRMCF said:

"They will heavily regret that."
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@MayankRMFC added:

"One bad match and Lunin has been dropped, thats shocking."
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Here is a selection of fan reactions (via X):

"Expected," @NeptuneXway wrote.
"Ukraine are losing today," @Iamkayless predicted.
@Mbx_09 was confused, writing, "Best Ukrainian player in the world is sitting on the bench?!!?"
"Can't blame the coach there - Trubin is a great keeper too and Lunin did himself no favors," @TerryFooty noted.
"Confidence level will go red," said @ETSGhana.
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"Lol, what a huge mistake," claimed @marymadridista_.
"Ukraine dropping a masterclass tonight," @PabloPae6Gavira opined.
"L for Ukraine," @missxromy2 remarked.

Andriy Lunin had enjoyed a stellar 2023-24 season with Real Madrid

Prior to the disastrous performance against Romania, Andriy Lunin had enjoyed a stellar 2023-24 campaign with Real Madrid.

First-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was sidelined for almost the entire campaign due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Spaniard Kepa Arrizabalaga, who was loaned in from Chelsea, was initially preferred as the replacement by manager Carlo Ancelotti, but Lunin eventually worked his way into the lineup.

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He played a crucial role in Los Blancos' run to the Champions League title. He was their hero in the second leg of the quarter-finals against Manchester City. After a 4-4 scoreline over two legs, he saved Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva's penalties to seal a 4-3 penalty shootout victory for Real.

While Courtois came back for the 2-0 victory over German giants Borussia Dortmund in the final, Lunin was undoubtedly one of the key members of Real Madrid's run. He made 31 appearances across all competitions, keeping 12 clean sheets and helping his side to the La Liga and Supercopa de Espana titles as well.

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Edited by Sudeshna Banerjee
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