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Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has admitted his frustration over the team’s penalty struggles this season after Jude Bellingham missed a crucial spot-kick during their dramatic 2-1 victory over Valencia at Mestalla.

The game saw Valencia take the lead in the first half through Hugo Duro, before a whirlwind second period unfolded. Bellingham missed a chance to equalize from the penalty spot, hitting the post, and Kylian Mbappé had a goal disallowed for offside. The drama escalated further when Vinícius Júnior was sent off for striking Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski.

Despite these setbacks, Real Madrid mounted a late comeback with Luka Modric leveling the game in the 85th minute and Bellingham redeeming himself with an added-time winner. The victory pushed Los Blancos two points ahead of Atlético Madrid at the top of LaLiga, though Atlético have a game in hand.

After the match, Ancelotti addressed the ongoing penalty issue, which has seen Madrid miss three spot-kicks this season. In addition to Bellingham’s miss against Valencia, Mbappé failed to convert penalties in earlier matches against Liverpool and Athletic Club.

“It annoys me that we’ve missed three penalties,” Ancelotti confessed. “I’ll have to choose who’s going to take them.”

Ancelotti’s irritation is understandable, as the missed opportunities from the spot could have had serious consequences in closer matches. His comments suggest that a definitive penalty taker will soon be chosen to ensure consistency going forward.

Madridistas will take solace in the team’s resilience, especially in high-pressure moments like the comeback at Mestalla. However, fans will undoubtedly hope that the penalty issues are resolved quickly, as every point is vital in their battle for the LaLiga title.

For now, Ancelotti’s focus will remain on preparing his squad for the challenges ahead, while ensuring that missed penalties do not become a recurring theme this season.

Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr breaks silence after red card against Valencia