‘Selfless’ penalty gesture shows Kylian Mbappe on right track – Carlo Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti called Kylian Mbappe’s decision to allow Jude Bellingham to take a penalty in Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Getafe an act of “great altruism.”

Real were awarded a spot-kick in the 30th minute on Sunday with the game goalless, but despite having only scored twice in his previous nine games, the France international handed the ball to Bellingham, who himself has struggled to match his stellar goalscoring form from last season.

Bellingham successfully converted the kick for his third goal in all competitions, before Mbappe added his 10th for Real to seal the win eight minutes later.

And the coach said that if his team are awarded another penalty when the face Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, it will be down to the players to decide who steps up from 12 yards.

“Bellingham and Mbappe will analyse it (on Wednesday) and choose the one who is in the best shape to take it,” said Ancelotti.

“It’s not a matter of debate. The Getafe penalty can be analysed in two ways. Some view it as an act of insecurity and we see it as an act of responsibility and altruism. These are two important things for us.

“Selflessness from a great talent like Mbappe is an act that we value very highly because it means that what could be the greatest talent there is in football is putting himself at the service of the team.

“I don’t see it as a lack of courage but as an important act for his team-mates. Everyone at the club appreciates it as an act of selflessness. That means he is on the right track. I really value that.”

Bellingham has returned to goalscoring ways in recent weeks after a long barren spell to begin the season.

“The team’s improved performance has allowed him to get back to scoring goals,” said Ancelotti. “He’s always performed well, but now he’s more settled up front.

“We’re better in possession, we’ve got clearer ideas and Mbappe’s individual improvement has allowed us to open up space and he’s taken advantage of that.

“With the exception of a couple of games, his position has always been the same as last year.”

Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde, whose team are fourth ahead of the game at San Mames, urged his team to be wary of Real’s threat.

“They’re the LaLiga champions,” he said. “They’ve recently lost to Liverpool and AC Milan in the Champions League, but they’re closing the gap on FC Barcelona. They’ve got a game in hand and if they win they could be leaders.

“There are moments when they are good, others when they’re weaker, but they’ve won their recent matches convincingly. It will be a very difficult match.”