At Real, the goalkeeper position has been debated since Kepa Arrizabalaga’s injury in October, which gave Andriy Lunin a chance in the team.
Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid in spectacular fashion in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, scoring late to equalize, before being able to celebrate both the winning goal and the winner in the final five minutes . The Whites thus became the first team in history to inflict five goals on a Diego Simeone team, which confirms the impressive form they have displayed since the start of the season. However, a doubt remains.
The goalkeeper position has been debated since Kepa Arrizabalaga’s injury in October, which gave Andriy Lunin a chance in the team. Carlo Ancelotti has rotated both goalkeepers since, starting the player on loan from Chelsea against the Rojiblancos. Some felt he was at fault on Mario Hermoso’s header, which opened the scoring, but there is no doubt he was not effective on Antonio Rudiger’s own goal.
His aerial skills have been questioned throughout the season, but this is the first time he has jeopardized a result for Los Blancos, and it is the first time he has shown such weakness. Relevo claims this is the only problem to be resolved and Ancelotti did not want to criticize Kepa after the match. “ He had a good match. He couldn’t do much on the first two goals, but on the third, it was perhaps Morata’s jump that hampered him… We’ll see who plays in the final. Lunin or Kepa.”
In the process, Marca reports that Ancelotti has now made his decision regarding the two players. When Real Madrid resume the championship, Lunin will be number one. The Ukrainian will also keep goal in Europe, while Kepa will be kept in the Copa del Rey, where he will face Atlético Madrid again next Thursday. Lunin’s work rate and performances have won over the technical staff and players this season, and he is expected to become Thibaut Courtois’ number two next season if he so wishes. Meanwhile, no negotiations have been started with Chelsea for Kepa, and it is likely that he will return to London at the end of the season, especially if Lunin remains at the club. The decision will be made in the spring.
