May 30th 2024.
Throughout the majority of the season, Andriy Lunin has been the number one goalkeeper for Real Madrid. However, it seems that his luck may have run out as he has been struck down with illness just days before the highly anticipated Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on Saturday.
Lunin, who has been a key player for Los Blancos in their pursuit of a record-extending 15th UCL trophy, missed training from Monday to Wednesday due to the flu. He was unable to join the rest of the team when they flew to London on Thursday and it was uncertain whether he would be able to play in the final.
As the days went by, it became apparent that Lunin's chances of playing in the biggest match of the season were getting slimmer. It was reported that he may travel alone on Friday or even on the day of the final, just hours before kick-off. However, on Thursday night, Lunin himself all but confirmed that he would not be able to participate in the final, expressing his disappointment on Instagram and thanking fans for their support.
With Lunin out of the picture, Thibaut Courtois is expected to start in goal for Real Madrid. This is quite a remarkable turn of events as Courtois only recently returned from a lengthy injury and was not originally intended to be the first-choice keeper for the team. However, a knee injury to the Belgian on the eve of the 2023/24 season led to Lunin taking over the number one spot.
Initially, Real Madrid brought in Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea to fill in for Courtois. But Lunin's exceptional performances earned him the starting position, and his outstanding saves in the knockout games of the Champions League, including two penalties against Manchester City, helped his team secure a spot in the final.
Despite Lunin's absence, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is confident in Courtois' abilities and is likely to select him to start against Dortmund. Courtois has returned to action earlier this month, playing in four league games and keeping a clean sheet in each one. This impressive performance has solidified his position as the team's first-choice goalkeeper and has even earned him the title of player of the match in the 2022 Champions League final when Real Madrid defeated Liverpool 1-0.
As the team prepares for the final, all eyes will be on Courtois as he steps onto the field, determined to bring home the 15th Champions League trophy for Real Madrid.
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