Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti faces a tough decision ahead of the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday: Will he choose Andriy Lunin, who has been in goal for most of the season, or Thibaut Courtois, the experienced goalkeeper who has returned from injury?
“It’s a really difficult decision,” Ancelotti said on Monday. “Both of them deserve to play in this final. Lunin had a fantastic season, and Courtois is back from injury with his known quality. It’s tough, but I’ll make the decision for the game.”
Lunin, who was dealing with a fever, was the only player who didn’t train on Monday, but Ancelotti expects him to be ready for the final in London.
Despite Courtois’ experience, his lack of playing time this season due to injuries has led many to believe that Ancelotti might lean towards Lunin.
Courtois suffered a left-knee ligament rupture in August and then a meniscus rupture in his right knee in March. He returned to action earlier this month and played in a crucial 3-0 win over Cadiz, securing Madrid’s 36th Spanish league title.
Lunin, meanwhile, played in the Champions League semifinals against Bayern Munich and made key saves in the shootout win over Manchester City in the quarterfinals.
Ancelotti praised Lunin, stating that he believes Lunin is currently the best goalkeeper in the world.
