Ancelotti Delivers Blow to Mbappé, Sticks with Vinícius for Penalty Duty, and Tells Kylian

After the match at Mestalla, Carlo Ancelotti made an important decision regarding the future of his star players, one that directly affects both Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.

Last Friday in Valencia, Jude Bellingham missed a penalty that could have leveled the score for Real Madrid. This sparked a debate over who should be the designated penalty taker for the team, and Ancelotti was asked about it in his post-match press conference.

The Italian manager confirmed that he would need to make a decision after the third missed penalty, and it appears he has done so. “Sorry, Kylian, but Vini will be the first penalty taker,” Ancelotti told the Frenchman directly. Mbappé took the news well and understands his coach’s decision.

Vinícius Will Be Real Madrid’s Primary Penalty Taker

Vinícius will now assume the responsibility of taking penalties for Real Madrid following this decision from Ancelotti. He is the only one of the three main penalty takers who has not missed a single penalty with the club this season.

Although Vinícius did miss a penalty with the Brazilian national team, he only missed one with Real Madrid, and that was during a preseason friendly against Barcelona in 2023.

On the other hand, Mbappé has missed two penalties this season—one against Liverpool and another against Athletic Club—while Bellingham missed his penalty against Valencia.

Ancelotti’s Decision to Appoint a Fixed Penalty Taker

With Bellingham’s miss against Valencia, Ancelotti has decided to assign a fixed penalty taker, and that will be Vinícius. This way, players will not need to make a decision on the pitch about who should take the penalties.

It’s possible that certain circumstances, such as Mbappé competing for the ‘Pichichi’ award at the end of the season, could alter this order. However, as of now, it seems that the decision is final, and Vinícius will be the player to take the penalties for Real Madrid going forward.

Tomorrow, in the semifinals of the Spanish Super Cup, could be the first opportunity for Ancelotti’s decision to be put into practice. However, the overall positive atmosphere in the dressing room will not be affected by this, as the Real Madrid players have once again put their egos aside for the greater good of the team.