Real Madrid missed a golden opportunity to take the lead early in their LaLiga Matchday 30 clash against Valencia CF this Saturday, April 5, at the Santiago Bernabéu.

In the 12th minute, the referee awarded a penalty to Real Madrid after Kylian Mbappé went down in the box—a decision heavily protested by Valencia players. The VAR reviewed the incident but upheld the call.

Vinícius Júnior, who recently missed a crucial penalty in the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Atlético Madrid, stepped up to take the kick. Unfortunately for Madrid, history repeated itself.

Controversial penalty, familiar result

The Brazilian aimed low and to the left, but Giorgi Mamardashvili guessed correctly and made the save, keeping the score at 0-0 and triggering whistles from the home crowd.

Just three minutes later, Valencia capitalized on Madrid’s missed chance. Mouctar Diakhaby rose highest to head home from a corner delivered by André Almeida, giving the visitors a surprising 0-1 lead at the Bernabéu.

This latest miss highlights a worrying trend for Carlo Ancelotti's side: Real Madrid have now missed five of their 17 penalties this season, with a conversion rate of just 70%.

Vinícius, in particular, has now missed two consecutive penalties, both in high-stakes situations, casting doubt over who should take spot-kicks in the decisive stretch of the season.