Villarreal goalkeeper Gulácsi ruled out of Napoli match after armed robbery at home
Villarreal will be without goalkeeper Péter Gulácsi for their Champions League match against Napoli on Tuesday, 13 October. The club said he was the victim of an armed robbery at his home in the early hours, with his family present but unhurt.
Armed robbery at the goalkeeper's home
Villarreal will be without Péter Gulácsi for their Champions League match against Napoli at the Estadio de la Cerámica on Tuesday, 13 October. The club confirmed that the 36-year-old Hungarian goalkeeper was the victim of an armed robbery at his home in the early hours of that day. Gulácsi was at the house with his family when the attackers broke in. According to the club, none of his family members suffered physical injuries, but the incident caused him a strong emotional shock, which is why he will not play. He lives with his wife and two young children. The authorities were informed immediately and are carrying out inquiries, according to EL MUNDO.
Luiz Júnior returns to goal
Luiz Júnior, the Brazilian goalkeeper, will take his place in goal against Napoli. Fanpage reported that he had started the season as first choice before being demoted to reserve after a disappointing start in the league. According to EL MUNDO, Gulácsi then took the spot after coach Iñigo Pérez opted to hand him the job following Luiz Júnior's early performances. Luiz Júnior, a former Famalicão player, is the most expensive goalkeeper in the club's history, having cost 12 million euros, according to EL MUNDO. Gulácsi held the starting place in matches against Real Betis, Málaga, Levante and Real Madrid.
Gulácsi's arrival at Villarreal
Gulácsi spent 11 seasons at RB Leipzig before joining Villarreal last summer, arriving on a free transfer. He was expected to make his first Champions League appearance at the Estadio de la Cerámica this season, having debuted for the club in the opening matchday against Borussia Dortmund. Villarreal are currently ninth in La Liga. Both Villarreal and Napoli began their Champions League campaigns with defeats. The match is scheduled to kick off at 21:00.
Earlier incidents in Spanish football
Similar incidents have affected footballers in nearby Valencia before. Former Villarreal players Karl Toko Ekambi and Andre Zambo Anguissa suffered similar incidents in past years. Valencia players Ezequiel Garay, Gabriel Paulista and Geoffrey Kondogbia were also among those who reported comparable events. Luiz Júnior is set to start in goal for Villarreal's Champions League match against Napoli.