Real Madrid Faces Penalty Woes Ahead of Arsenal Clash

Madrid, Spain – Real Madrid, the reigning champions of Europe, is grappling with a concerning penalty crisis ahead of their Champions League quarter-final match against Arsenal. Despite high expectations, the team’s performance from the penalty spot has been lackluster, raising eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.

In recent weeks, standout players like Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé have faltered from the spot, with multiple missed penalties leading to critical losses. Most notably, Vinicius missed against Valencia this past weekend, while Mbappé failed to convert vital chances against both Athletic Bilbao and Liverpool, with Madrid ultimately losing those matches 2-1 and 2-0 respectively.

Statistics reveal that Real Madrid has taken 15 penalties in La Liga and Champions League this season, scoring just 10 – a conversion rate of 66.7 percent, significantly below the norm. Comparatively, rivals Barcelona maintain a perfect 100 percent from their penalties this season, while Atlético Madrid boasts an 85.7 percent success rate. In fact, of the remaining Champions League teams, only Arsenal has a poorer conversion rate, sitting at 57.1 percent, potentially setting the stage for a chaotic shootout if needed.

Real’s misfortunes extend over the past five seasons, with their penalty success rate plummeting from a perfect record in 2019-20 to their current struggles. The primary question arises: Is it the players taking these penalties or the approach to the timeline of execution? Vinicius, who previously scored seven out of seven penalties before his recent misses, has shown he can perform under pressure, while Mbappé, boasting an 80 percent conversion rate in his career, has also stumbled.

The situation appears to be exacerbated by a lack of consistent penalty-takers within the squad this season. Both Bellingham and Vinicius have taken opportunities when Mbappé has been present on the pitch, suggesting a shared responsibility that typically favors a singular established taker in successful teams. Manager Carlo Ancelotti has consulted players in determining who steps up, leading to erratic selections based on current performance rather than established order.

Part of the inconsistency can be attributed to varied techniques among takers. Mbappé has employed different approaches this season, while Bellingham and Vinicius have utilized contrasting run-ups. Critics argue that this overthinking could lead to predictability in execution, which allows goalkeepers to anticipate shots more effectively. A recent analysis by goalkeeper Joaquín Ketlun points to particular quirks in Vinicius’ run-up, suggesting he may reveal clues to where he intends to shoot.

Despite their struggles in regular play, Madrid maintains a strong record in penalty shootouts. They recently secured victories in five consecutive shootouts, showcasing their capability to perform under heightened pressure despite their deficiencies in regular penalty situations. The urgent need for improvement in the next matchup against Arsenal remains paramount as they look to regain their confidence on the spot.

As the stakes rise ahead of the crucial encounter with Arsenal, questions loom over who will ultimately lead Madrid to redemption from the spot. Ancelotti has reportedly assigned the next penalty to Mbappé, but only time will reveal if this decision will break the ongoing penalty crisis.