Penalties? Vinícius was fifth in line, it’s better he didn’t kick, Ancelotti laughed

Real Madrid knocked out Valencia in the semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup, but it had to come down to penalties. However, all the players were very calm there, with Vinícius being the only uncertain enforcer. Carlo Ancelotti was glad he didn’t have to kick.

The game played in Saudi Arabia didn’t provide much entertainment. In the first half, Real had more possession of the ball, they didn’t get any clear-cut chances, Valencia also had their chances.

It wasn’t until the 39th minute that Benzema was brought down from behind on a breakaway and a penalty was awarded. The French marksman converted it safely and sent Real into the lead.

However, after the change of sides, the game was immediately levelled. Lato sent in a fluffy centre from the right, Lucas forgot to catch up with his opponent and all alone, Lino’s slightly crooked shin equalised at 1-1.

In the rest of the match and extra time, Real Madrid were the better team and came closer to scoring the winning goal, but it was not to be. In the 92nd minute, however, Vinícius had a huge chance when he found himself all alone in front of Mamardashvili, but he punishingly missed.

The match thus came down to penalties and there Real clearly had the upper hand. First Cavani converted for Valencia, then Benzema replied. Comert then sent his effort into the stands, and Modric sent Real into the lead. Moriba, Kroos, Guillamon and Asensio then converted, but Valencia captain Gaya missed the last penalty.

“The key to penalties? Experience, the players with the most experience. The first three were kicked by the most experienced who have no nerves, Karim, Kroos, Modric… Then Asensio, who has a great shot… And the last one was Vinicius… but it’s better that he didn’t kick,” laughed coach Carlo Ancelotti at the press conference.

The Italian coach made fun of his charges, but he knew why. Vinícius has only kicked one penalty in his career and that was for Brazil U20 in a friendly. That time in 2018 against Chile, he didn’t score it.

Source: MARCA