- Ancelotti to decide Real’s penalty taker
- Mbappe, Bellingham and Vincius Jr. are in contention
- Los Blancos take on Atalanta in UEFA Super Cup
WHAT HAPPENED?
Reigning European and Spanish champions Real Madrid will play their first competitive game of the 2024-25 season on Wednesday as they take on Europa League winners Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup at National Stadium in Warsaw, with Mbappe set to make his debut for Los Blancos.
Getty Images/GoalTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Ancelotti is in a dilemma to decide on the club’s designated penalty taker for the upcoming campaign and in Wednesday’s clash. New signing Kylian Mbappe was the go-to man for spot-kicks at his former club Paris Saint-Germain, while Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde converted penalties successfully for their respective national teams in the recently concluded European Championship and Copa America.
WHAT CARLO ANCELOTTI SAID
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the Italian manager said when asked if Mbappe could take up the role: “He is a penalty taker. Vinicius has taken them well too, Bellingham did it at the Euros, Valverde at the Copa America. I will have to choose tomorrow and I will have to do it between who starts tomorrow’s match.”
(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?
After facing the Italian club, Los Blancos will kick off their title defence campaign in La Liga on Sunday as they take on Mallorca. — Goal
