Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has been given a 'first warning' by Carlo Ancelotti during the Manchester City clash

Vinicius Junior He was arguably in the best form of any of the Real Madrid forwards coming into their clash against Manchester City, achieving something like his form last season in recent months. To the surprise of many, however, he was withdrawn before the end of his first leg for Joselu Mato, something he didn't seem excited about.

Carlo Ancelotti had warned Vinicius that he would be substituted several minutes earlier to soften the blow, in a game which saw him abandon his usual role on the left side of attack for Rodrygo Goes, as he moved into the interior Chain SER they described this as a “first warning” that Ancelotti may not always grant his preferred position in the line.

They noted that, while Vinicius will still be an important player, Kylian Mbappe will be the top star next season, instead of the Brazilian, something he will have to assimilate. Another question that many are asking is whether Mbappe will also be granted his favored role on the left.

It is a theory, with some who believe that Ancelotti did not want to risk his attack being suspended for the second leg for the last five minutes, and others who say that he felt the fatigue at the end of the match. It seems unlike Ancelotti to send a message to one of his stars at such an important moment, for a problem that is still at least four months old.