A few minutes later, the porter does it again. This time, he folds on a strike from Kovacic, certainly poorly calibrated, but just as decisive. “I am the happiest man in the world“. Before being congratulated by his coach, Carlo Ancelotti.
The unexpected hero is therefore called Andriy Lunin. Arriving in the Spanish capital in complete anonymity in 2018, from Lugansk, he only made meager appearances in the Merengue jersey. Fifteen, to be exact, before this season and the injuries of Thibaut Courtois. He also took a series of loans, to toughen himself up. One year in Léganès (2018-19), then Valladolid (2019-early 2020) and finally half a season in Oviedo (January to June 2020).
This season is the consecration after six years of champing at the bit on the Real bench. However, we had to wait for several twists of fate: injuries to Courtois, and the lackluster performances of Kepa, who arrived during the summer to compensate for the absence of the Belgian. Except that the Ukrainian has overturned the hierarchy. Since then, he has played 27 games this season in all competitions, enough to be essential in Ancelotti's eyes.
17 saves in the last two return matches
Was he at fault for Bernardo Silva's free kick in the first leg? Perhaps, because it must be admitted that its placement was not ideal. But since then, Lunin has made up for it in the best possible way.
Last night against City, he made nine saves, including extra time. However, he was unable to do anything about Kevin de Bruyne's equalizer but no matter, Real is qualified for the semi-finals. And they owe this largely to their Ukrainian rampart. A providential hero was needed to stop this Manchester City, and Real found in Lunin the ideal double before the return of Thibaut Courtois.
Double or triple save, intervention on the Citizens' numerous crosses and decisive during the penalty shootout, he never seemed perturbed by the stakes of such a meeting. The daily AS praised it in today's edition: “Is Lunin a big match goalie? Yes, absolutely. His baptism – because a Madrid player is only baptized when he achieves a great performance during a Champions League evening – was more of a dip in the sea than a few drops on the forehead. Lunin's match in Manchester was sublime, heroic and above all vital.“
The puzzle over his future at the Bernabeu will be decided soon, but in the meantime, the La Liga-Champions League double is not so far away.
