/sportsinfo/media/member_avatars/image 59.png)
Follow Us/sportsinfo/media/media_files/tIoz5TjawV9OyVmIt9FA.png)
Following Real Madrid's triumph against Bayern Munich during the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the 2023/24 season, the press has focused on the custodian for the final.
Thibaut Courtois, Madrid's top custodian, has completely recovered and featured in the latest La Liga encounter against Cadiz (2-0). Nevertheless, his backup, Andriy Lunin, has played admirably in all Champions League playoff games.
According to Relevo, Real Madrid's head coach Carlo Ancelotti as well as club president Florentino Perez believe that playing the more experienced Courtois in goal will give them an increased probability of winning the final. Yet, no final decision has been made. Everyone in the club, even Lunin, recognises Courtois as one of the top goalkeepers in the world.
It is worth noting that soon after the Belgian tore his cruciate ligaments, Real Madrid acquired Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea on loan, who had begun the season as the first-choice custodian. However, Lunin eventually defeated him, and this season, he has played 30 games and kept 12 clean sheets.
In this year's Champions League final, Real Madrid are up against Borussia Dortmund. The match will be played on June 1st at the renowned Wembley Stadium. This is just the first time both of these teams would be meeting in the final of the competition.
Thibaut Courtois set to regain match fitness over next weeks
Courtois, who had been out for virtually the whole season owing to knee issues, played his first match of the season last weekend versus Cadiz and performed well. However, Ancelotti chose to switch back to Lunin during the semifinal second leg versus Bayern, leaving Courtois on the bench.
However, the former Chelsea player may now play in the last few La Liga games, maybe in preparation for the UCL final against Borussia Dortmund. Nobody forgets Courtois's pivotal performance during the 2022 Paris final versus Liverpool, and he could be required to deliver it once more, this time at Wembley.