Ancelotti Confirms Courtois as Starter for Champions League Final
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Thibaut Courtois will start in goal for the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday at Wembley. This decision comes after a period of uncertainty due to Courtois’s recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury and the impressive performances of his backup, Andriy Lunin.
Lunin’s Contributions
In Courtois’s absence, Lunin has been a standout performer for Real Madrid. He has played a crucial role in their Champions League campaign, particularly during the knockout stages. Lunin featured in all six knockout games, including the dramatic quarter-final second leg against Manchester City, where his heroics in the penalty shootout—saving attempts from Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic—ensured Real Madrid’s progression to the semi-finals against Bayern Munich.
Courtois’s Return and Recent Form
Despite Lunin’s reliability, Courtois has been the preferred choice for Ancelotti since his return from injury. The Belgian goalkeeper has appeared in four of Real Madrid’s last five matches, keeping clean sheets against Cadiz, Granada, Alaves, and Real Betis. Courtois has shown no signs of rust from his long layoff, demonstrating his readiness for high-stakes matches.
Embed from Getty ImagesIllness Forces Ancelotti’s Hand
Ancelotti’s decision to start Courtois was made easier by Lunin’s recent bout of flu, which prevented the Ukrainian international from training adequately in the lead-up to the final. “Lunin has had flu, he hasn’t been able to train,” Ancelotti explained at the pre-match press conference. “He’ll travel tomorrow. He’ll be on the bench, so Courtois will play.”
Courtois’s Champions League Experience
Courtois brings a wealth of experience to the final, having played in 75 Champions League matches in his career, including two previous finals. His first final with Atletico Madrid in the 2013-14 season ended in heartbreak, as Real Madrid equalized in stoppage time and went on to win 4-1 after extra time. However, Courtois redeemed himself in the 2021-22 season, helping Real Madrid secure a 1-0 victory over Liverpool and lifting the trophy.
Aiming for the 15th European Crown
As Courtois prepares to make his first European appearance of the season, he will aim to help Real Madrid secure their 15th Champions League title. His experience and recent form will be pivotal in what promises to be a thrilling encounter against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.
With Courtois in goal, Real Madrid will be confident in their defensive solidity as they seek to add another chapter to their illustrious history in European football.
Ancelotti Confirms Courtois as Starter for Champions League Final
