Real Madrid Champions League hero rules himself out of final

Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has seemingly ruled himself out of Saturday's Champions League final due to an illness.

Initially intended as a backup for Thibaut Courtois, Lunin found himself thrust into the spotlight when the Belgian suffered an ACL injury just before the 2023-24 season commenced, sidelining him for almost the entire campaign.

Although Los Blancos had acquired Chelsea's Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan, Lunin swiftly asserted himself as the team's number-one goalkeeper in Courtois' absence and has not looked back since.

The Ukrainian has played a pivotal role in Real Madrid's journey to clinching the La Liga title and has been instrumental in their progression to the Champions League final.

Notably, he played a crucial part in weathering Manchester City's relentless attacks in the quarter-finals, before emerging as the hero in the penalty shootout.

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Lunin ruled out of Champions League final due to illness

Los Merengues departed for England on Thursday, but according to a report from Marca, Lunin, who was considered a contagion risk, was expected to travel separately on Friday or even on the day of the game.

While his participation in the final was already in doubt, it seems that Lunin has now ruled himself out of contention to feature in the match at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

"I'm so sorry I can't prepare [for] the game with the most important team of the season and the most important in my life," Lunin told his followers on Instagram

Ahead of the match, questions surrounded which goalkeeper Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti would pick in the starting 11 after Courtois' recent return to fitness.

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Courtois set to return to Real Madrid UCL starting lineup

The Belgian goalkeeper recently returned to action, featuring in four league games earlier this month and keeping clean sheets in each match.

Therefore, given Lunin's recent post, it seems almost certain that Courtois will be given the nod to start on Saturday.

Courtois was also named the Man of the Match in the 2022 Champions League final when Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory over Liverpool.

In an interview before departing for London, Ancelotti admitted that the situation is 'really difficult' because 'both of them deserve to play this final.'

Ancelotti has already secured five Champions League titles in his career and is now aiming for his third crown as a manager with the Spanish giants.