+ What Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone said at the post-match press conference
Controversy struck during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg clash between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid when VAR overturned Julián Álvarez’s penalty, sparking heated debate.
The decision to disallow Julián Álvarez’s penalty, which played a pivotal role in Atlético Madrid’s elimination, sparked outrage among fans, pundits, and notably, head coach Diego Simeone.
Platforms Africa reports that on Wednesday night at the Metropolitano Stadium, the penalty shootout reached a pivotal moment as Álvarez stepped forward to take his shot.
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What initially appeared to be a legitimate goal was dramatically overturned after video analysis exposed an unintended double touch, awarding Real Madrid an indirect free-kick.
What Really Happened
Alexander Sorloth had scored Atletico’s first penalty before the ball was passed to Julian Alvarez, the former Manchester City forward and Argentina’s World Cup winner.
Alvarez slipped, however, as he ran to the ball, sending his kick high. But Alvarez seemed to have luck on his side and it flew under the bar and into the roof of the net.
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The following moments brought controversy and confusion. Before Fede Valverde could take Real Madrid’s next penalty, referee Szymon Marciniak stopped the play for a VAR review.
What VAR Said
The VAR checked to see if Alvarez touched the ball twice after he slipped. While initial replays broadcast around the world were not conclusive, it was ruled that Alvarez touched the ball with his left foot after he slipped, before kicking with his right.
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The VAR recommended that the penalty should be disallowed and the VAR decision confirmed: “Atleti player, No19, double touched the ball when the penalty kick was taken.”
Simeone React
Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone did not hide his frustration after the match, openly questioning the controversial decision.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, he challenged the legitimacy of the VAR ruling, suggesting that even those closest to the action had not noticed Álvarez’s alleged double contact.
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“Raise your hand if you saw the ball move twice,” Simeone said, addressing the media with visible frustration.
“We can watch the replays over and over, but who in real-time actually saw it? These are the kinds of moments that change games.”
Last Line
According to UEFA and the International Football Association Board rules, a penalty taker must make a single clean strike when taking a spot-kick.
If the ball is touched twice before another player intervenes, the kick is considered a violation, and an indirect free-kick is awarded to the opposing team.
Platforms Africa
