Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has on Saturday confirmed that something of an unsung hero emerged in his ranks en route to getting the better of Manchester City in midweek.
Real, of course, are fresh off booking the club’s spot in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
As much came courtesy of a tense penalty shootout downing of the aforementioned Man City, at The Etihad.
A whole host of Blancos stars played pivotal roles in as much, with the likes of Andriy Lunin, Antonio Rüdiger and Nacho having been singled out for widespread praise.
Post-match, though, photos doing the rounds on social media hinted at another, somewhat forgotten member of Real’s squad also playing his part in the victory.
The player in question? Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Shot-stopper Kepa, as expected, was forced to make do with a spot on the bench once more in Manchester on Wednesday.
The Spaniard, though, was spotted in deep discussion with Andriy Lunin and the Blancos coaching staff ahead of the penalty shootout getting underway.
This came amid suggestions that the on-loan Chelsea man was affording tips to his fellow shot-stopper, having himself lined out against Man City in a shootout scenario during his time in England.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, it therefore came as little surprise when the subject of as much was put to the aforementioned Carlo Ancelotti.
And, in his response, Real’s headmaster went on to confirm that Kepa, indeed, played his part at The Etihad.
“Kepa helped a lot ahead of the penalties vs City,” Ancelotti announced.
Conor Laird | GSFN
