Carlo Ancelotti has put an end to the questions surrounding Real Madrid’s goalkeeping situation ahead of tonight’s much awaited UEFA Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.
Ancelotti confirmed that Thibaut Courtois will start the showpiece final ahead of Andriy Lunin on Saturday as he labelled the match as ‘most dangerous’ given the prize on the line. This choice may come as a surprise for many given that Lunin excelled during Belgian’s absence due to an ACL tear. Ancelotti’s decision, however, is justified given that Ukrainian himself announced that he was unable to prepare for the game due to a flu and had to travel for the game separately.
“I am very sad to say that I won’t be able to prepare for the most important game of the season and the most important game of my life with my team” Lunin posted.
Lunin’s absence will not be major issue for Real Madrid given Courtois is no stranger to champions league finals as he started and was man of the match in 2022 Champions league final when Real Madrid won 1-0 against Liverpool.
Dortmund look to make it second time lucky at Wembley in the Champions League
Borussia Dortmund would look to claim their Champions League glory for the second time when they take on Real Madrid tonight. Previously they won the competition in 1996-97 when they beat Italian giants Juventus in Munich.
Tonight’s final would also be their second inside the iconic Wembley Stadium. They faced their arch rivals Bayern Munich at the same venue in 2013 which the Bavarians won 2-1 thanks to Arjen’s Robben goal in the final stages of the match. This time Dortmund would look go one better and claim the title at the expense of Real Madrid.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, would look add to their already illustrious trophy cabinet by adding the 15th European crown to their gallery. Their recent Champions League trophy was in 2021-22 season when they beat Liverpool 1-0 in Stade France.
The match will also be the farewell for Dortmund legend Marco Reus and Real Madrid’s midfield icon Toni Kroos. While Kroos is chasing yet another UCL title with the Spanish club, Reus will hope to bid goodbye to Dortmund by claiming his first European trophy.
The final will start 8 PM local time from Wembley Stadium, London.
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
