"What is that dude doing here", "We're conceding 4" - Real Madrid fans unhappy with star's inclusion in XI to face Real Sociedad
Real Madrid fans have vented their frustrations with Carlo Ancelotti's decision to start Kepa Arrizabalga in his side's La Liga encounter with Real Sociedad tonight (April 26).
Kepa fell down Ancelotti's pecking order earlier this season after initially starting the campaign as his No.1. The Spanish goalkeeper joined Los Blancos from Chelsea on a season-long loan last summer after Thibaut Courtois suffered an ACL injury.
However, Andriy Lunin's superb form quickly saw the Ukrainian shot-stopper displace Kepa. The Spain international has made just 12 La Liga appearances this season, keeping six clean sheets.
The former Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper has an opportunity to impress against Sociedad tonight. Ancelotti has opted to rest Lunin with Real Madrid traveling to the Allianz Arena next Tuesday (April 30). They face Bayern Munich in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal.
However, tonight's clash with Erreala has high stakes as Madrid are within touching distance of the La Liga title. Ancelotti's men will become champions if they win tonight and Barcelona lose against Valencia on Monday.
Ancelotti has put his faith in Kepa to keep Sociedad at bay at Reale Arena and he makes his first start appearance since January 21.
Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Nacho Fernandez, and Fran Garcia start in defense.
Arda Guler gets the chance to shine alongside Aurelien Tchouameni, Luka Modric, and Dani Ceballos in midfield.
Brahim Diaz and Joselu start in attack with Real Madrid's superstar attacking duo Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior getting some rest on the bench.
However, fans aren't impressed with Ancelotti's team selection, particularly seeing Kepa in the starting lineup.
One fan was surprised to see the Chelsea loanee:
"Wait, Kepa? What is that dude doing here?"
Another fan has backed the visitors to concede four goals due to Kepa's inclusion:
"Just saw Kepa and blinked 3x. We're conceding 4."
Here's how other fans on X (formerly Twitter) reacted as Kepa was handed a rare start:
"Kepa start, pure comedy ensuing," one fan expects tomfoolery from the Spanish goalkeeper.
"Also Kepa is starting so its over," another fan insisted.
"Giving Kepa minutes too. This is a charity game lmao," one fan joked.
Kepa Arrizabalaga will reportedly leave Real Madrid and return to Chelsea
Kepa's time at Real Madrid is coming to an end and the La Liga giants won't be signing him permanently, per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. His loan expires in June and he'll return to Chelsea.
Los Blancos are prioritizing offering Lunin a contract extension amid his stellar season. They also await Courtois' return with the Belgian expected to be back in the summer after missing the entire season.
Kepa's future at Stamford Bridge is also uncertain as the Blues signed two new goalkeepers last summer. Mauricio Pochettino may want to permanently part ways with the Spaniard, who has a year left on his contract.