‘I saw Endrick's face’ – Carlo Ancelotti reveals why Brazilian wonderkid did not take decisive penalty in Champions League shootout with Atletico

An epic derby encounter between two cross-city rivals was settled on spot-kicks after two legs – which included extra-time at Metropolitano Stadium – failed to determine a winner. Cool heads were required in the most intense of circumstances.

There was to be more drama, with Atleti striker Julian Alvarez seeing his spot-kick ruled out for a double touch following a VAR review – with the World Cup-winning Argentine slipping as he struck the ball. With that effort being chalked off, Real eventually got their noses in front.

The Blancos knew they could win the tie with their fifth penalty, but - after seeing Vinicius Junior miss in normal time – Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde and Lucas Vazquez had already stepped up. Real considered sending Brazilian wonderkid Endrick forward, only to ultimately plump for experienced defender Antonio Rudiger.

Endrick appeared to be in no state of mind to take such an important penalty, as the occasion threatened to get the better of him, with Ancelotti telling reporters afterwards: “We were hesitant between Endrick and Rudiger. I saw Endrick's face and we said, ‘Better Rudiger’.”

Ancelotti added that Real chose “the coldest possible ones” to take their penalties in what is always “a lottery”, with the Blancos seeing their numbers come up as they prevailed 4-2 and booked a quarter-final date with Premier League heavyweights Arsenal.