Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said he would not decide who would start in goal in the Champions League final until the day before the match, as it was Andriy Lunin who brought Los Blancos into the game, but Thibaut Courtois returned from injury.
In recent weeks, Ancelotti has suggested that Lunin is “having a great season”, but that Courtois “is the best goalkeeper in the world”. The Belgian returned from an anterior cruciate ligament injury and then a meniscus problem, and has been back in goal in five of his last six matches.
“Both of them deserve to play in the final. Lunin had an amazing performance and Courtois, we all know his quality. I think I will make the decision before the match. One will play and the other will be on the bench. For sure.”
In the other match, Lunin was the one in goal, and unfortunately, he conceded four times, while Courtois has yet to get the ball out of the net in five matches. Ancelotti was asked in Spanish and English about his plans, and
“They both deserve to play for many reasons. Lunin has had a fantastic season. Today he has a fever, but he will recover in time for Saturday. And now the best goalkeeper in the world arrives. I like to listen to the discussion. Since I have nothing else to do this week, “I will listen to him,” Ancelotti said with a smile on his face. “I like to debate and if I say who is playing, the debate will end.”
All reports from the Spanish capital suggest that Courtois will be given the nod over Lunin, and leaving him out would be a big call for Ancelotti, although few would punish him for letting Lunin finish what he started – at least before the game. If Courtois starts, it will be his first appearance in Europe this season, and his first since the Champions League semi-final second leg against Manchester City.
