Palma de Mallorca –
Marco Asensio failed to convert the penalty that contributed to the loss Real Madrid. Coach Charles Ancelotti explained his decision to appoint Asensio instead Rodrygo.
Madrid gave up 0-1 in their visit to Mallorca on Sunday (5/2/2023). Mallorca’s victory was determined by an own goal from Madrid centre-back Nacho Fernandez, which was created in the 13th minute.
Nevertheless, The whites nevertheless wasted a chance to equalize from the penalty spot early in the second half. Asensio stepped up as the penalty taker then directed his shot to the right. Goalkeeper Pedrag Rajkovic managed to guess the direction of the ball before brushing it away from the goal.
Failure Asensio converting the penalty made Ancelotti’s decision about the penalty taker questionable. The reason is, Rodrygo is on the list of Real Madrid’s main penalty takers after senior players like Karim Benzema and Luka Modric.
Ancelotti chose Asensio because Rodrygo was still affected by his failure in the penalty shootout at the 2022 World Cup. At that time, Rodrygo’s shot was saved and Brazil was finally eliminated by Croatia in the quarterfinals.
“The doubts over the penalty were between Asensio and Rodrygo, but Rodrygo may still be a bit affected by his mistake at the World Cup,” Ancelotti told the club’s official website.
“I chose because the first penalty taker was Benzema then Modric, who was on the bench. Then Kroos was also not there and there were the options of Asensio and Rodrygo. I chose the penalty taker,” said Ancelotti.
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(rin/pure)
