Kepa Arrizabalaga, on loan at Chelsea, played an unsung role in Real Madrid’s penalty shoot-out victory over
Manchester City despite not being on the pitch. The 29-year-old Spaniard joined Los Blancos earlier this season, replacing
first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who injured his anterior cruciate ligament in August. Despite a series of
inconsistent performances, with third-choice goalkeeper Andrei Lunin taking center stage, Kepa was instrumental in the team’s success.
Real Madrid manager Carlo’s son and assistant coach Davide Ancelotti said Kepa helped fine-tune the 14-time
European champions’ penalty takers in the final stages of extra-time. The Mirror reported that Kepa gave Lunin some advice just before the penalty at the Etihad Stadium.
The player, on loan from Chelsea, already has experience in penalty shootouts against City.
The former Athletic Bilbao player refused to be substituted in the Chelsea team and played against Josep
Guardiola’s side from the penalty spot in the 2019 League Cup final, but the team ultimately lost the match.
Lunin stole the show on Wednesday with impressive saves against Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva.
The latter penalty was aimed right down the middle, but Lunin showed extraordinary courage to resist and parry the blow.
In an interview with Movistar Plus+, Lunin explained his strategy:
“We had to endure a lot of pain in the Champions League away game… But I’m very grateful for everything the team has fought for.
I can’t imagine running like my teammates today. »
He added: “There are games you have to endure, you have to overcome difficulties and you can’t always play with the ball
and be the best team on the pitch. That’s exactly what happened tonight. »
Lunin also spoke about his personal experience: “Tired. It’s the first time in my career that I’ve played a match like
this, 120 minutes, penalties, pressure. And responsibility.” It’s hard to explain this feeling. ”
