Revolution in the big teams of Spain and Portugal? Goalkeepers from an unusual country rule the roost at Real and Benfica

Real Madrid and Benfica Lisbon are the biggest teams in Spain and Portugal and have recently undergone a small revolution. Contrary to previous habits, their goalkeepers from Ukraine – Andriy Lunin and Anatoliy Trubin – rule the roost.

These are the two most prestigious posts on the Iberian Peninsula. Real Madrid and Benfica Lisbon are the most successful teams in their respective countries and therefore must have proven quality in goal. This is now provided by national teammates from a somewhat unusual country – Ukraine.

With the long-term injury to Belgian number one Courtois, Real brought Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea. But someone else has been ruling the royal club’s defence in recent months. Andriy Lunin.

In addition to LaLiga, the Ukrainian is also proving excellent service in Europe, where he most recently put in a superb performance at the ground of Bundesliga side Leipzig. Real won 1-0 in the Champions League semi-final and put themselves in a good position for the rematch.

The revolution in Spain and Portugal is here

Twenty-two-year-old Anatoliy Trubin, who joined Benfica from Shakhtar before the season, is not to be put to shame, and he immediately conquered the role of number one goalkeeper. Thanks to his performances, the biggest of Lisbon’s clubs is in first place in the league.

Trubin was last seen on Thursday when he scored in Benfica’s Europa League win against Toulouse (2-1). He currently has the edge over his teammate Lunin in the national team, where he is now number one.

Forget the names of former Real number ones such as Spaniard Iker Casillas, Keylor Navas of Costa Rica or, most recently, Belgian Thibaut Courtois. Similarly, the Greek Odysseas Vlachodimos, Bruno Varela of Cape Verde or the Brazilian Julio Cesar, the rulers of the goalposts of the famous Benfica, are also a thing of the past.

The revolution is here, now ruled by Ukraine. So, alongside Oleksandr Zinchenko or Artem Dovbyk, world football has to learn new names.

Source: Transfermarkt, Wikipedia