Real Madrid has a selection dilemma for the Champion League final. According to Relevo, however, which cited anonymous sources, it has already been resolved by head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Madrid booked its ticket to the Wembley decider on June 1 by eliminating Bayern Munich from the semfinals midweek.
After drawing 2-2 at the Allianz Arena, Los Blancos once more got the job done by mounting an impressive comeback in the Bernabeu.
Madrid target Alphonso Davies silenced the iconic ground on the 68th minute when firing a top corner rocket past Andriy Lunin.
As the fixture drew to a close, however, substitute Joselu popped up with a brace that sunk the Bavarians and set up a last dance date with their main domestic rival Borussia Dortmund in London.
With just over three weeks to spare until the match that could make Madrid kings of Europe for record-extending 15th time, column inches in Spain are already being dedicated to reports on which XI Ancelotti will put out at Wembley.
Aurelien Tchouameni’s foot injury perhaps makes him a doubt for midfield, but it is who lines up between the sticks that is the biggest debate here.
While Andriy Lunin has been one of the main heroes of a season that could end with his team winning the treble, this was done in the absence of Thibaut Courtois.
The Belgian ruptured his ACL approaching Matchday 1, but finally returned to action by starting last Saturday’s 3-0 win over Cadiz which effectively sealed the La Liga title.
And while Courtois wasn’t ready to enter a fixture of such magnitude on Wednesday against Bayern, he will be come June 1.
Ancelotti has to choose whether to reward Lunin for getting his men so far, or trust in the services of a figure he is convinced is the best goalkeeper in the world in Courtois.
According to Relevo, though, Ancelotti will go for his MVP in the 2021/2022 final against Liverpool, while The Athletic also reports that Courtois is the favourite to get the nod in the English capital.
It’ll be a tough blow for Lunin to take, and one that might ultimately force him to seek a way out of the club.
After proving himself to be a top shotstopper capable of performing at the highest level in a club like Madrid, the Ukrainian will undoubtedly have plenty of potential suitors.