Carlo Ancelotti has revealed Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe decided between themselves who would take the penalty in Real Madrid's victory over Getafe on Sunday afternoon.
Bellingham dispatched the spot-kick won by Antonio Rudiger before Mbappe struck from open play to send Los Blancos into half-time two goals to the good against their local rivals. It remained 2-0 as Madrid closed the gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona to one point with a game in hand.
Mbappe had taken a penalty a few days prior, seeing his effort saved by Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher during the 2-0 Champions League defeat at Anfield, and there was some surprise that Bellingham stepped up ahead of the Frenchman.
Ancelotti has now shone light on the process that led to the England international converting from the spot, admitting Vinicius Junior's absence meant a discussion was necessary.
Jude Bellingham
Bellingham is scoring again for Madrid / Soccrates Images/GettyImages
Speaking in his post-match press conference, he said: "When Vinicius is on, the taker is decided between him and Mbappe; without Vinicius on the pitch, the ones who had to choose were Mbappe and Bellingham, and between the two of them they decided that Jude should take it."
Bellingham had only taken one penalty for Madrid before the weekend, sparking a trademark comeback last season during a 3-2 win over Almeria back in January.
Mbappe had converted three spot-kicks for Madrid before the trip to Merseyside, scoring against Real Betis, Real Sociedad and Espanyol with each goal coming in September. Vinicius has also netted three times from the spot, bagging against Las Palmas, Sociedad and AC Milan.
There has been no threat of any Chelsea-style fiascos for penalties since Mbappe arrived on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, though his chemistry with Vinicius still needs time to develop after some spluttering performances so far this season.
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