Militao Keeps Going: Starter in the Champions League Final?
Éder Militao started his second consecutive game against Alaves, the third in the last four matches. He was the player with the most aerial duels won and the most recoveries. He played 72 minutes, received a knock on the knee, which he reassured after the match. This performance confirms his improved form 18 days before the Champions League final at Wembley.
June 1st is the date on everyone's mind at Real Madrid. With the 36th La Liga title secured and properly celebrated, the last major challenge of the season is winning the 15th Champions League.
The final hurdle will be Borussia Dortmund, the focus of all objectives. Three stand out: avoiding injuries as much as possible - especially after Tchoauméni's fall, who is a serious doubt for the final; resting to regain the players' best physical condition - with three days off from Wednesday to Friday this week; and having Courtois and Militao regain their best form after knee injuries.
Belgian goalkeeper Courtois has quickly achieved this, seriously challenging Carlo Ancelotti about his starting goalkeeper at Wembley: Lunin or Courtois. A starting eleven dilemma that Éder Militao wants to be part of.
The Brazilian played his ninth game of the season against Alaves. A cruciate ligament injury to his left knee during the first LaLiga EA Sports match on August 12 against Athletic Club at San Mamés drastically changed his plans.
Seven and a half months later, after a tough recovery, Militao returned to the field. He did so against Athletic Club, in the second-leg match in Santiago Bernabeu. He played one minute. Testimonial, but the important thing was to return; and since then, he has been growing in prominence.
In the last six games, the center-back has started in four. He only sat on the bench at the start of the Champions League semifinal against Bayern Munich; and in the return leg, he played one minute to defend the result.
With Rüdiger or Nacho by his side, Militao has already picked up the pace of competition, different from having medical clearance, especially after such a long injury, and against Alaves, he delivered his best performance of the season.
