Real Madrid’s Javi Navarro has been called up to the first-team squad for Saturday’s La Liga match against Alaves following his standout performance in the UEFA Youth League final.
The 19-year-old goalkeeper saved two penalties in the shootout victory over Club Brugge, building on his three-save effort in the semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain. His five penalty saves across the two matches were instrumental in securing Real Madrid’s second consecutive Youth League title.
Navarro’s inclusion comes due to an injury to third-choice goalkeeper Fran Gonzalez, leaving Andriy Lunin and Sergio Mestre as the only other available goalkeepers ahead of the match. Thibaut Courtois remains sidelined with an ongoing injury.
According to MARCA, Navarro will join the squad for the 9:30 p.m. Local time kickoff at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he is expected to sit on the bench under Alvaro Arbeloa’s direction.
The call-up represents a significant milestone for Navarro, who had been set to celebrate the Youth League title with his teammates before being asked to remain with the first-team preparations.
Inside the club, sources indicate a clear development pathway is being mapped for Navarro, with potential rotation between Juvenil A, Real Madrid C, Real Madrid Castilla and occasional senior squad involvement in the coming months.
Thibaut Courtois, despite his own injury, publicly praised Navarro’s performance, sending a message to the young goalkeeper that read: “¡Grande Javi!”
Real Madrid’s Youth League triumph marks their second consecutive title in the competition, with Navarro’s penalty-saving heroics proving decisive in both the semifinal and final matches.
The Alaves match will initiate at 9:30 p.m. CEST (7:30 p.m. UTC) at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid.
As Navarro prepares for his first senior squad experience, the focus remains on his continued development within Real Madrid’s renowned youth system, which has produced numerous first-team talents in recent years.
Real Madrid will seem to build on their Youth League success as they navigate the final stretch of the La Liga season, with Navarro’s call-up serving as a testament to the club’s commitment to promoting from within.
For continued updates on Real Madrid’s squad developments and match preparations, fans are encouraged to follow official club channels and trusted sports news outlets.
