Real Madrid’s qualification for the semi-finals of the Champions League after City’s siege is inexplicable. The magic that generates the competition fetish in the Whites’ club often leads to epic matches that go down in history. If we analyse the game, it’s impressive to see the protagonism of many players who weren’t destined to be decisive.
Starting with the goalkeeper. At the start of the season, nobody gave a cent for Lunin. But Courtois serious injury and subsequent relapse and his merits on the pitch, when everything seemed to indicate that he would be Kepa’s replacement, established him as the undisputed starter in Ancellotti’s Madrid team.
The Ukrainian had already had some brilliant displays in the past, for example in the first leg of the last 16 against Leipzig. But against Manchester City, he was at the top of his game worldwide.
He withstood a constant siege from the Sky Blues, as nine of 22 shots were saved by him. And then came the penalty shoot-out, which he handled calmly and confidently. He saved Bernardo Silva’s shot, guessing his intentions and standing in the middle of the goal, which became one of the images of the game. He then saved Kovacic’s kick, which proved to be decisive. After spells at Leganés, Valladolid and Oviedo, Lunin is in his fourth season with the first team and this is the time for him to make a name for himself.
