Ancelotti backs Vinicius before Super Cup showdown with Mallorca

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr (24) is set to participate in the Spanish Super Cup, despite having recently served a two-match suspension. On Wednesday, manager Carlo Ancelotti continued to support his player, even after the club's appeal was unsuccessful.

Vinicius received a red card for striking Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski during a LaLiga match on Friday. Following an appeal, the Spanish Football Association imposed a two-match suspension on the striker, which allows him to play in Thursday's Super Cup semi-final against Mallorca.

Ancelotti had expressed optimism regarding the appeal, arguing that the incident warranted only a yellow card. He also noted that Vinicius is experiencing significant mental strain due to prior incidents of racial abuse he has faced in Spain.

The manager maintains that the suspension was unjustified.

"We are very pleased with Vinicius in every regard," Ancelotti stated at a press conference prior to Thursday's match in Jeddah.

"Both he and I are aware of what transpires on the field. I reiterate that it is challenging to be Vinicius. The punishment is incorrect.

"When discussions arise about Vinicius' provocation, it diverts attention from the insults he endures."

Real Madrid has already faced Mallorca this season, resulting in a 1-1 draw in their opening match. Ancelotti expressed satisfaction that the Super Cup match will proceed to penalties, should the teams remain level, thus avoiding extra time.

"We are well-acquainted with our opponent, and they are familiar with us. It will be a highly competitive match; they posed significant challenges for us in LaLiga. They possess strong attributes and can contend effectively," Ancelotti remarked.

"You anticipate playing well and securing a victory. If that does not happen, there is the penalty shootout.

"This alters the dynamics significantly. It eliminates the need for extra time, which can be more difficult to navigate."

The victors will advance to face either Barcelona or Athletic Bilbao, who are competing in Wednesday's semi-final, in the final scheduled for Sunday.