Real Madrid are set to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final at Wembley Stadium, and there will be plenty of focus on one position.
Carlo Ancelotti was dealt a blow when goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was ruled out with a long-term injury at the start of the season, and he was expected to miss the entire campaign.
However, Courtois has recovered from his problems to feature in a few La Liga games towards the back end of the season, and this has helped him prepare to take part in yet another Champions League final.
In the absence of Courtois, backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin stepped up to the task, and was Real Madrid’s hero in the quarter-final victory against Manchester City as he saved two penalties in the shootout.
Lunin has been superb in the Champions League, but he will now drop to the bench in what many consider to be an extremely harsh decision.
Carlo Ancelotti confirms Thibaut Courtois will start Champions League final for Real Madrid
Speaking in a press conference, Ancelotti confirmed that Courtois will be selected ahead of Lunin for the Champions League final.
“Thibaut Courtois will start tomorrow. Lunin will be on the bench,” he stated.
This will be Courtois’ first Champions League appearance of the season, and many may question whether he is ready to play in such a high-intensity game after spending so long out of action.
Lunin did not travel with the rest of the Real Madrid squad to London after picking up a flu virus, but he will be in the matchday squad, but unlike the quarter and semi-finals, he will be on the bench.
Real Madrid face Champions League risk with both Courtois and Lunin
Ancelotti faces a lose-lose situation with his goalkeepers, as there would be question marks over his decision no matter which one he chose.
If Lunin was to start, many would question why the undeniably superior option was on the bench for such a big game, particularly given his disrupted preparations.
However, if Courtois fails to perform, many may question why the keeper who has been fit all season and helped Real Madrid reach the final of the competition, was not allowed to keep his place on merit.
Ancelotti will therefore hope that Courtois can repeat his heroics from two seasons ago where he kept a clean sheet against Liverpool to help Real win the Champions League.