Champions League Final

Thibaut Courtois Expected to Start for Real Madrid in Champions League Final

Vishal Bhawani

According to ESPN, keeper Thibaut Courtois is expected to start for Real Madrid in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund on June 1 at Wembley.

Courtois to Start against Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund

Courtois has been sidelined for the majority of the season after suffering two serious knee injuries. On May 4, he returned to La Liga against Cádiz before missing Madrid’s second leg of the Champions League semifinal against Bayern Munich.

Since then, he’s maintained a clean sheet against Granada and Alaves. The Belgian made ten saves in his last game and was applauded by supporters at the Bernabéu.

According to the sources, if he is physically fit, he will undoubtedly start in the Champions League final.

What Carlo Ancelotti Belives?

Head Coach Carlo Ancelotti feels Courtois is the world’s best custodian, despite his desire not to say so publicly. Even after the 5-0 victory against Alavés, Ancelotti stated that in their next two league matches, each goalkeeper will be given the opportunity to play.

However, as per the reports via ESPN, Ancelotti was on the verge of alienating the Belgian custodian after benching him against Munich.

Courtois damaged his left ACL in August. Months later, when he was about to return to the field, he hurt the meniscus in his right knee. Courtois, on the other hand, has always been keen to play this season and has worked hard to push his return date ahead.

Thus, the Real Madrid boss believes Courtois will remain the club’s first-choice custodian.

There is, however, gratitude for Andriy Lunin, who stepped up in Courtois’ absence. Madrid are seeking to extend the Ukraine goalkeeper’s contract until 2029, and a deal is close to being completed.

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