Real coach Ancelotti puts Courtois back on the bench in the Champions League semi-final: “Time is needed to reach the best level”

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed on Tuesday that Ukrainian Andriy Lunin (25) will also be between the posts in the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals against Bayern Munich, despite the return of Thibaut Courtois (31).

The Belgian star immediately picked up a clean sheet in the 3-0 win against Cadiz last weekend, after being sidelined since the summer due to a serious knee injury.

“The plan for a returning player does not change because of a single match,” said the Italian coach at the press conference the day before the return. “Courtois is doing well, but he needs time to reach his best level.”

The fourteen-time laureate secured a 2-2 draw in the first leg in Bavaria last week thanks to two goals from Vinicius Junior. Ancelotti firmly believes in qualifying for the final.

“I am confident because this is Real Madrid. We have the team. I also rely on the fans to push us forward,” he stated.