Fringe star will start for Real Madrid in Copa del Rey final if they qualify | OneFootball

Real Madrid are just one step away from securing their place in the finals of the 2024/25 Copa del Rey.

The Merengues have already secured a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad in the first leg of the semi-finals and will take on Imanol Alguacil’s men next month in the return fixture hoping to book their place in the grand finale.

Andriy Lunin to start if Real Madrid qualify

Now, according to Melchor Ruiz of COPE, if Real Madrid were to qualify for the Copa del Rey final, Andriy Lunin will be the starting goalkeeper ahead of regular first-choice starter Thibaut Courtois.

Even though the 26-year-old shot-stopper is the second choice in Carlo Ancelotti’s setup, he has been the go-to man in Copa del Rey for the Merengues.

Lunin could start in the Copa del Rey final, if Real Madrid qualify. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Indeed, thus far, Lunin has started in each of Real Madrid’s four cup games this season, keeping two clean sheets in the process, including in the semi-final first leg against Real Sociedad.

With Courtois recently suffering a knock while on national team duty with Belgium, Lunin is also expected to start this weekend against Leganes in La Liga.

It could serve as good practice for the Ukrainian international to prepare for the second leg of the semi-final against Real Sociedad.

Should the Spanish capital giants, with a 1-0 lead from the first leg, prevail and secure their place in the finals, it will be Lunin who will start in goal ahead of Courtois.