Real Madrid edged Atletico Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16 through a dramatic and contentious penalty shootout, during which Julián Álvarez’s goal was overturned.
The decision came after the VAR determined that Álvarez had made contact with the ball using both feet before taking the kick. The call has sparked heated debate in the soccer world, prompting UEFA to issue an official statement.
In a formal release, UEFA clarified the incident. “Atletico de Madrid enquired with UEFA over the incident, which led to the disallowance of the kick from the penalty mark taken by Julián Álvarez at the end of yesterday’s UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid,” the statement began.
“Although minimal, the player made contact with the ball using his standing foot before kicking it, as shown in the attached video clip. Under the current rule (Laws of the Game, Law 14.1), the VAR had to call the referee signalling that the goal should be disallowed,” it continued.
Additionally, UEFA acknowledged concerns about the fairness of the rule in unintentional cases, noting: “UEFA will enter discussions with FIFA and IFAB to determine whether the rule should be reviewed in cases where a double touch is clearly unintentional“.
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Simeone and Ancelotti react to the Álvarez penalty decision
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone expressed frustration with the VAR-assisted decision to disallow Álvarez’s penalty. “I just watched the penalty, and when Julián plants his foot and kicks, the ball doesn’t even move slightly. But, well, if VAR called it—I’ve never seen VAR intervene for a penalty—I want to believe they saw something,” Simeone said in his post-match press conference.
Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti, on the other hand, supported the referee’s call. “When we realized there might be an issue, the referees had already detected it through VAR. I didn’t notice it at first, but after reviewing it, it’s clear his left foot made a second touch,” Ancelotti commented.
Álvarez’s message to Atletico fans
Following the controversy, Julián Álvarez broke his silence with a heartfelt Instagram post. While he didn’t directly address the disallowed penalty, Álvarez expressed pride in his team and gratitude to Atletico Madrid fans.
“It hurts to be eliminated after giving everything on the field and fighting until the last minute. We didn’t achieve our goal, but this team showed character, commitment, and heart,” the Argentine striker wrote.
He continued by thanking the Atletico faithful. “Thank you to our fans for always being there, cheering nonstop, and making every match special.” Looking ahead, Álvarez shifted focus to the club’s upcoming La Liga clash with Barcelona. “Now it’s time to look forward and focus on what’s ahead”.
The post ended with a brief acknowledgment of Real Madrid’s victory. “Congratulations to Real Madrid on advancing to the next round,” Álvarez added. Real Madrid will now face Arsenal in the quarterfinals, following the Gunners’ elimination of PSV.
