Controversy erupted in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg clash between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid after Julián Álvarez’s penalty was disallowed following a VAR intervention.
The decision, which played a pivotal role in Atlético’s elimination, sparked outrage among fans, pundits, and even Atlético’s head coach, Diego Simeone.
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.
“Did anyone see the ball move twice in real-time? These moments change games,” Simeone said, addressing the media with visible frustration.
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.
Replays showed that as Álvarez struck the ball, he lost balance, leading to an accidental second touch with his standing foot.
Although the ball still found the back of the net, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois immediately appealed for a double contact.
VAR official Pol van Boekel reviewed the footage and confirmed that Álvarez had indeed made two touches in quick succession—one with his right foot and an inadvertent follow-up with his left.
As a result, referee Szymon Marciniak had no choice but to cancel the goal.
