Kepa spotted giving Andriy Lunin 'instructions' on how to save Man City penalties
The Chelsea flop played an unlikely role.
Kepa Arrizabalaga appeared to play a key part in Real Madrid's penalty shootout victory against Manchester City despite not even being on the pitch.
On Wednesday evening Real Madrid sneaked into the semi-finals of the Champions League for the 12th time in 14 years, eliminating defending champions Man City on penalties.
After a chaotic first leg in Spain last week ended three goals apiece, the return leg at the Etihad Stadium saw Madrid defend with their backs against the wall after taking a first half lead.
Their resistance was overcome by Kevin De Bruyne late on, but City couldn't find a second to avoid a penalty shootout.
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The shootout began with Julian Alvarez scoring for the hosts, before Luka Modric saw his attempt saved by Ederson.
After the early setback, the momentum swung in Madrid's favour as Andriy Lunin saved from Bernardo Silva and then Mateo Kovacic.
Madrid never looked back and scored their remaining four penalties to win, with Lunin the hero.
However, substitute 'keeper Kepa has to take a lot of credit.
The most expensive goalkeeper of all-time was hoping to kick-start his career after a difficult few years at Chelsea, but a few months after joining Madrid on loan last summer he lost his starting position to Lunin.
Despite that, he did his best to help Madrid win by giving Lunin some 'instructions' during the shootout.
Lunin's gamble not to dive when facing Bernardo's penalty paid off, as the City star place his kick straight down the middle of the goal.
After the match, footage emerged that appeared to show Kepa giving advice to the Ukrainian goalkeeper.
He might have been telling Lunin not to dive when facing Bernardo, as of the three penalties the attacker had previously taken for the treble winners, two were down the middle.
Kepa conceded one of those attempts himself during the penalty shootout to decide the 2019 Carabao Cup final, which City won 4-3.
Kepa had a good idea where Bernardo would place his penalty, so it seems likely he passed on his knowledge to Lunin.
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Topics: Real Madrid, Manchester City, Champions League, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Bernardo Silva
Alex Brotherton