Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has made a decisive move regarding the club’s penalty-taking duties after their latest setback from the spot. Following Jude Bellingham’s missed penalty during Los Blancos’ 2-1 victory over Valencia at Mestalla, Ancelotti has reportedly designated Vinícius Jr. as the team’s primary penalty taker, according to COPE.
The decision comes after a series of penalty misses this season, with Ancelotti previously allowing his players to decide among themselves who would take spot-kicks during matches. However, this approach has now resulted in three missed penalties, raising questions about the team’s efficiency from 12 yards.
Bellingham’s miss, which saw his effort ricochet off the post, came with both Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. on the pitch. It was the latest instance of the lack of clarity in Real Madrid’s penalty hierarchy.
Ancelotti hinted after the Valencia game that he was ready to establish a clear first-choice penalty taker, and Vinícius has now been entrusted with that responsibility. The Brazilian forward will look to bring consistency to Real Madrid’s penalty-taking duties as the club continues its push for silverware this season.
Madrid fans will hope that Ancelotti’s decision pays off, ensuring that missed penalties do not hinder their team’s progress in crucial moments.
