Real Madrid advanced to the Champions League semi-finals by eliminating the current champion Manchester City, after penalties, as the result was tied 4-4 over two matches.
In the end, the Spaniards were more successful with penalties, with Real Madrid winning 4-3. Real Madrid’s goalkeeper, Andriy Lunin, saved two penalties – from Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva.
The Ukrainian, who turned 25 in February, began the season as the third-choice goalkeeper for Los Blancos.
Thibaut Courtois and Kepa Arrizabalaga were ahead of him in the hierarchy. So, Lunin’s chances of playing for Real in serious matches this season were minimal. The Belgian is the undisputed number one of Real Madrid when he’s fit, but it’s been a while since that’s been the case. Courtois seriously injured his knee last summer. He was supposed to recover this spring, but suffered another serious injury. He hasn’t played at all this season, and Kepa and Lunin shared the minutes.
Kepa, the well-known and much more expensive goalkeeper than the Ukrainian, who was paid 8.5 million euros, had the advantage, but didn’t show quality. In Real Madrid’s last two matches, he conceded five goals – three from Atletico Madrid and two from Almeria, which will surely be relegated from La Liga. It was in January of this year, and it was then that Ancelotti decided that Lunin would be his first choice in goal.
The Ukrainian justified the trust with excellent performances, especially in the Champions League. He had nine saves against RB Leipzig, and last night at the “Etihad” he gathered eight with two penalties saved. “I am the happiest man in the world. My hard work has paid off. I am happy because I can help Real and I want to thank my teammates for their support,” Lunin said after the match.
