Vinicius Junior missed from 12 yards in Real Madrid’s LaLiga defeat by Valencia, soon after his unsuccessful Champions League attempt against Atletico Madrid.
Carlo Ancelotti has commented on Real Madrid’s penalty situation, noting that it has been a difficult season for his team’s takers.
Real Madrid vs Valencia
Despite scoring the leveller in the 50th minute against Valencia, Vinicius Junior had a penalty saved in the 13th minute, moments before Los Che went ahead through Mouctar Diakhaby in the 15th minute.
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Hugo Duro scored a late winner at the Bernabeu, securing the visitor's first league away win in 12 months. The 2-1 loss meant Madrid missed the opportunity to temporarily draw level on points with Barcelona, who then drew 1-1 with Real Betis later on Saturday.
Ancelotti said after the match that it is much more difficult to fight for LaLiga.
“It is much more difficult to fight for La Liga,” Ancelotti said after the Valencia loss. “But we have the idea of doing well until the end of the season because we still have options, albeit much less after this game.”
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However, the experienced manager was asked why Vini Jr. took the first-half penalty, despite Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham’s presence on the pitch.
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“It’s been a difficult season for penalty takers,” continued Ancelotti. “(Jude) Bellingham missed at Valencia, (Kylian) Mbappe against Athletic Club and Liverpool. Vinicius missed against Atletico Madrid, I tried to give him confidence and he missed this one.
“Will Mbappe be our main penalty taker? Lets see.”
Real Madrid are four points behind Barcelona following the 30th round in LaLiga.
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