A dramatic VAR decision in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid has sparked fierce controversy, particularly over the disallowed penalty from Julián Álvarez. The incident, which ultimately played a pivotal role in Atlético’s elimination, has ignited outrage from fans, pundits, and Atlético manager Diego Simeone.
What Happened?
The penalty shootout, held at the Metropolitano Stadium on Wednesday night, reached a nail-biting moment when Álvarez stepped up to take his spot-kick. Initially, his penalty was ruled a goal as the ball hit the back of the net. However, after a VAR review, the decision was dramatically overturned, citing an unintended double touch by Álvarez.
As replays showed, Álvarez lost his balance and accidentally made contact with the ball twice: once with his right foot and a follow-up touch with his left foot. Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois immediately appealed for the double touch, and after reviewing the footage, VAR official Pol van Boekel confirmed the violation. This led to an indirect free-kick being awarded to Real Madrid and the penalty being ruled out.
Simeone’s Outrage: ‘Raise Your Hand If You Saw It’
Diego Simeone, visibly frustrated after the match, called out the controversial decision. He questioned whether anyone had truly noticed Álvarez’s alleged double contact in real-time, stating: “Raise your hand if you saw the ball move twice.” His sentiments echoed across social media, where Atlético fans criticized the ruling, accusing UEFA of bias towards Real Madrid. Some even dubbed the incident a “historic robbery.”
Simeone’s frustration was not just about the penalty but also about how such fine margins could dramatically alter the course of a high-stakes knockout game.
Why Was Álvarez’s Penalty Disallowed?
UEFA and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) rules state that a penalty taker must strike the ball cleanly without touching it twice before another player intervenes. If a double touch occurs, the penalty is considered invalid, and an indirect free-kick is awarded to the opposing team.
Álvarez’s second, unintentional touch with his standing foot led to the cancellation of his penalty, a decision in line with previous rulings involving double touches. While the ball found the net, the violation was clear, forcing referee Szymon Marciniak to rule it out.
The Aftermath: A Crushing Blow for Atlético
The controversial penalty call dealt a heavy blow to Atlético’s chances of advancing. The shootout continued, but with the emotional weight of the decision hanging over them, Marcos Llorente missed his penalty, and Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger converted the decisive spot-kick, sealing a 4-2 victory and a quarter-final berth for Madrid.
Fan Reactions: UEFA’s Alleged Favoritism Towards Madrid?
The ruling sparked massive backlash from Atlético fans and neutrals alike, with many questioning whether Real Madrid received special treatment in European competitions. Some fans on social media claimed that similar incidents had been overlooked in the past, fueling accusations of unfair bias. One viral tweet read: “UEFA’s favourite team gets another decision in their favor.”
Is VAR Always Right?
While the VAR decision followed the letter of the law, the incident has sparked debate about whether such fine details should be scrutinized in high-pressure moments like knockout games. Analysts pointed out that the rule is clear, but the emotional impact on Atlético supporters is undeniable.
Previous Cases of Double Touches and VAR Intervention
Álvarez’s disallowed penalty is not an isolated case. There have been several similar incidents in football history where penalties were ruled out due to a double touch or VAR intervention, including:
- Riyad Mahrez’s Disallowed Penalty (2019) – A penalty for Leicester City was ruled out when Mahrez’s standing foot made contact with the ball before it went into the net.
- Mitrović’s Infamous Double Touch (2021) – Serbia’s Aleksandar Mitrović had a penalty ruled out after VAR confirmed a double touch during a World Cup qualifier against Portugal.
- Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez’s Trick Penalty (2016) – A famous indirect penalty for Barcelona that would have been disallowed if Messi had made an accidental double touch.
The Bottom Line: Is VAR’s Role in Penalties Too Strict?
Julián Álvarez’s disallowed penalty highlights the increasing influence of VAR in modern football, especially in key moments like penalty shootouts. While VAR’s application of the rules was technically correct, the incident has sparked ongoing debate about whether such decisions should be made with the same level of scrutiny, particularly in high-pressure knockout stages.
As Real Madrid advances to the next round, the controversy surrounding Álvarez’s penalty will likely remain a hot topic, with fans and pundits alike questioning the role of technology in shaping the outcome of major footballing events.
