Real Madrid: Alphonse Areola has earned the opportunity to start

Real Madrid suffered a disappointing result in their second Champions League match, drawing 2-2 to Club Brugge. But goalkeeper Alphonse Areola helped prevent a loss with a dramatic save in a one-on-one situation.

Whereas Thibaut Courtois embarrassed himself in a one-on-one situation after Real Madrid’s defense completely broke down for Club Brugge’s first goal, Alphonse Areola bailed Sergio Ramos out by making a wonderful stop when facing an attacker one-on-one. Ramos would later score a headed goal to give new life to Real, and Casemiro added another to rescue a point.

Areola was substituted into the game at the half, which is rare. Managers will scarcely take out a starting goalkeeper for a backup, and while there are rumors that Courtois was dealing with a stomach issue, this seemed to be a tactical substitution.

After impressing against Osasuna at mid-week, including making a snazzy one-handed grab, Areola clearly looked like the better keeper against Brugge, albeit in another small sample.

Just as he did against Osasuna, Areola looked far more active in coming out of his box to deal with long balls that were intended to launch quick counterattacks. His distribution was also infinitely better than Courtois’, which speaks to the confidence the former PSG starter has.

Even as a new acquisition, Areola hasn’t shied away from barking orders to his defenders, including world-class captain Sergio Ramos. Areola has also received adulation from the supporters in the stands at the Bernabeu and fans online, who have been quick to sing his praises and change their bio photos to pictures of him.

At this point, Real Madrid can’t go back to Courtois as their primary starter. Though he’s coming off of two clean sheets, he never had to make a big save in either, as Real held the opposition to no shorts on target in the full 90 minutes. Areola’s clean sheet against Osasuna was similarly uneventful in terms of shots on target faced, but he, again, looked better when on the ball and claiming crosses.

Real need a keeper with confidence and the support of the fans, and Areola seems to be that guy. What gives some fans pause, however, is the fact that Courtois used to be regarded as a top-three goalkeeper in the world when at Chelsea. Areola, on the other hand, was viewed as someone PSG needed to upgrade – and this was as early as last year.

Still, the results speak for themselves, and it’s not like Courtois’ final days at Chelsea went well either. In a Real Madrid shirt, Areola has been the one putting in the stronger performances, and the comfort level is evident. Areola’s willingness to come out of the box with more zeal is notable, too, because Real do look vulnerable to counters due to their style of play, which emphasizes heavy attacking from the fullbacks.

This remains a position battle in a state of flux, but after Areola outplayed Courtois in the second half against Brugge and helped his side rescue a point, he clearly has earned the opportunity to start over Courtois going forward. At worst, Real has to go back to Courtois. But at best, they’ve found a more confident, competent keeper in their race for La Liga gold and a strong Champions League campaign.