Thibaut Courtois is back in full form. With several excellent saves against Deportivo Alavés, the Belgian goalkeeper demonstrated that he is ready for the Champions League final.
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That is bad news for Andriy Lunin, who seized his opportunity during Courtois' absence.
The Belgian played only his third match since his return from a serious knee injury on Wednesday evening. Real Madrid was already 3-0 up by halftime thanks to goals from Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Júnior, and Federico Valverde. However, that did not mean Courtois had a quiet evening.
In total, the Belgian goalkeeper made ten saves. "I feel very good," Courtois told news agency Belga after the match. "I understand that some people might have doubts about how you come back from such injuries, but I knew I would come back strong. I am still the same Courtois, or even better. Maybe I needed a game like today, with many shots on goal."
Thus, Courtois seems to be making a bid for a starting spot in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund on June 1. In the second half of the match against Alavés, Vinicius Júnior and Arda Güler added two more goals. Güler has been hitting his stride in recent weeks. The nineteen-year-old Turkish talent has scored three goals in his last four league matches. At the beginning of the season, Güler struggled with injuries multiple times. "We are focused on him," Ancelotti told Marca. "He has a gift. The ball is in love with Arda Güler."
Courtois' performance against Alavés highlights his readiness for the upcoming Champions League final. Despite Real Madrid's strong lead, Courtois remained vigilant, making crucial saves that demonstrated his top form. His return from injury has been impressive, silencing any doubts about his fitness and capability. Meanwhile, Arda Güler's recent form has been a significant boost for the team, showcasing his talent and potential. As the final approaches, Real Madrid looks strong, with key players like Courtois and Güler performing at their best.
