Carlo Ancelotti explains why Vinícius Jr. was taken off early vs Atlético | OneFootball

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has provided an insight into the reasoning behind his decision to haul Vinícius Jr. off early in the club’s latest outing.

Wide-man Vinícius, of course, was in from the off once more on Wednesday night, as Real Madrid locked horns with city rivals Atlético in the Last-16 of the Champions League.

Los Blancos, when all was said and done, emerged triumphant, by way of a penalty shootout.

Vinícius, however, endured something of an evening to forget…

Completely shut down by Diego Simeone’s stout backline, the Brazilian toiled in his efforts to make an impact in the final third, also missing a spot-kick and even managing to visibly frustrate some of his teammates.

Upon Vinícius being hooked from proceedings in extra-time at the Metropolitano, the assumption was therefore that as much came owing to the level of his performance.

Speaking to the media post-match, however, Carlo Ancelotti suggested otherwise.

Drawn on his star winger’s withdrawal, Real Madrid’s headmaster explained:

“Vinícius asked to be subbed off as he was so tired. And we didn’t want him to take another penalty after missing the first one.”

Conor Laird – GSFN