Kepa Arrizabalaga Influence: Real Madrid Penalty Shootout Triumph Over Manchester City

Chelsea loanee Kepa Arrizabalaga indirectly contributed to Real Madrid penalty shootout victory over Manchester City despite not playing in the match. Kepa who joined Real as cover for injured Thibaut Courtois played a role in fine-tuning Real penalty taker lineup and offered advice to goalkeeper Andriy Lunin before the shootout.

Although Kepa did not play, his experience in facing City in a shootout before notably in the 2019 Carabao Cup final was valuable. Lunin became the hero of the night, saving crucial penalties from Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva securing Real spot in the Champions League semi-finals.

Lunin expressed gratitude to his teammates for their efforts and described the intense pressure of the match as a valuable learning experience.