### Real Madrid Faces Olympiacos Without Key Goalkeeper Courtois Due to Illness Real Madrid is set to face Olympiacos in the UEFA Champions League on November 26, 2025, but will do so without their first-choice goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian international has been ruled out due to a gastrointestinal viral infection, specifically diagnosed as viral gastroenteritis. This absence adds to the club's defensive woes, as they are already dealing with multiple injuries among their defenders, including Dean Huijsen and Antonio Rüdiger, leaving them with a significantly depleted squad for this crucial match [https://apnews.com/article/real-madrid-champions-league-courtois-huijsen-fde5f75abe1e1d65a2656a9933f23f09][https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2025/11/25/real-madrids-courtois-out-for-olympiacos-champions-league-trip]. ### Breakdown of the Current Situation for Real Madrid 1. **Injury Report**: - Thibaut Courtois is out due to viral gastroenteritis [https://www.bana.co.ke/2025/11/courtois-out-with-gastroenteritis-for-olympiacos-clash.html]. - Dean Huijsen is sidelined with a knee injury [https://www.thescore.com/esp_fed/news/3409241/real-madrids-courtois-huijsen-sidelined-for-ucl-trip-to-olympiacos]. - Antonio Rüdiger has not fully recovered from a muscle injury [https://www.wtop.com/sports/2025/11/real-madrid-dealing-with-injuries-in-defense-for-champions-league-match-at-olympiakos]. - Éder Militão is also unavailable due to an injury sustained during international duty [https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/news-real-madrid-confirm-star-player-will-miss-champions-league-clash-olympiacos-medical-examination]. 2. **Goalkeeper Replacement**: - Andriy Lunin will step in as the starting goalkeeper in Courtois' absence [https://english.aawsat.com/sports/5212561-real-madrid’s-courtois-out-olympiacos-champions-league-trip]. 3. **Team Performance Context**: - Real Madrid is currently on a three-game winless streak, including a recent 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League [https://www.flashscore.com/news/soccer-champions-league-real-madrid-s-courtois-to-miss-champions-league-trip-to-olympiacos-through-illness/dhcnNBrg]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Injury Impact**: - Courtois' absence is significant as he is a key player for the team, and his replacement, Lunin, has limited experience in high-stakes matches. - The defensive lineup will be heavily impacted, with only Raúl Asencio as a natural central defender available [https://www.thescore.com/esp_fed/news/3409241/real-madrids-courtois-huijsen-sidelined-for-ucl-trip-to-olympiacos]. - **Recent Performance**: - Real Madrid's last three matches have resulted in no wins, raising concerns about their form heading into this critical Champions League fixture [https://www.apnews.com/article/real-madrid-champions-league-courtois-huijsen-fde5f75abe1e1d65a2656a9933f23f09]. ### Conclusion: A Challenging Match Ahead for Real Madrid In summary, **Real Madrid is facing a challenging match against Olympiacos without their star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois**, who is sidelined due to a stomach bug. The team is also grappling with a defensive crisis, having multiple key players injured. This situation could significantly affect their performance as they aim to break a winless streak and secure a vital victory in the Champions League. 1. **Key Absences**: Courtois and other defenders are out, impacting team dynamics. 2. **Goalkeeper Change**: Lunin will take over in goal, which may affect defensive stability. 3. **Recent Form**: The team is struggling, having not won in their last three matches, including a loss to Liverpool. Real Madrid must navigate these challenges carefully to improve their standing in the Champions League [https://www.flashscore.com/news/soccer-champions-league-real-madrid-s-courtois-to-miss-champions-league-trip-to-olympiacos-through-illness/dhcnNBrg][https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2025/11/25/real-madrids-courtois-out-for-olympiacos-champions-league-trip].