Tension flared during the UEFA Champions League knockout stage’s second leg between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid when Julián Álvarez’s penalty was overturned after a video review, drastically altering the match’s outcome.
The ruling proved decisive in ending Atlético’s campaign, inciting anger among supporters, analysts, and manager Diego Simeone.
During the shootout at Metropolitano Stadium, Álvarez appeared to score until replays exposed an illegal second contact with the ball, prompting officials to annul the goal and award Real Madrid a free-kick.
Simeone Challenges Officials: ‘Show me if anyone saw it?’
The Atlético coach openly criticized the decision post-match, casting doubt on the video review process. He argued that even those on the field had missed the alleged infraction in real time.
“Prove to me someone genuinely spotted the double hit live,” Simeone stated, visibly agitated. “Slowed-down clips can dissect anything, but in the moment? These rulings alter destinies.”
The fiery strategist, renowned for his defensive mindset, insinuated that Real Madrid often benefits from such contentious calls in European contests. Fans rallied behind his claims online, with many accusing UEFA of partiality and branding the incident a “calculated injustice.”
What Led to the Overturned Goal?
Per UEFA and IFAB guidelines, a penalty requires a single, uninterrupted strike. A second touch before another player contacts the ball results in an indirect free-kick.
Footage revealed Álvarez, after slipping during his run-up, inadvertently brushed the ball with his supporting foot post-initial strike. Though the attempt beat goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, the Belgian immediately protested the double contact.
Review official Pol van Boekel confirmed the violation, forcing referee Szymon Marciniak to disallow the goal. The reversal shattered Atlético’s momentum, with Marcos Llorente later missing his attempt. Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger clinched the 4-2 shootout win, sending his team to the quarterfinals.
Fan Outcry: ‘Another Scripted Madrid Win?’
Social media erupted with accusations of inconsistency, as supporters highlighted previous penalties where similar infractions went unpunished. Outraged fans speculated about Real Madrid’s perceived favoritism in UEFA tournaments, with one trending post stating: “When Atlético suffers, rules tighten. Where’s this scrutiny for others?”
While pundits acknowledged the technical correctness of the call, debates surged over whether such minute details should influence knockout-stage results.
Historical Parallels: Double-Contact Precedents
Álvarez’s case isn’t isolated. Past incidents include:
- Riyad Mahrez (2019): The Leicester City forward’s penalty was voided after his standing foot grazed the ball, mirroring the IFAB rule applied here.
- Messi & Suárez (2016): Barcelona’s inventive penalty—a pass to Suárez—sparked debate, though it stood as Messi avoided a second touch.
- Aleksandar Mitrović (2021): A World Cup qualifier saw Mitrović’s goal scrapped after he slipped, deflecting the ball onto his other foot. VAR enforced the same rule.
- Kylian Mbappé (EURO 2020): While not a double touch, a retaken penalty due to encroachment highlighted VAR’s strictness in high-pressure scenarios.
Final Insight
Though emotionally charged, Álvarez’s disallowed goal aligns with existing regulations. Historical cases underscore that even accidental infractions are punishable, emphasizing video technology’s role in upholding technicalities—regardless of their dramatic consequences. While Real Madrid advances, debates over VAR’s impact on football’s spontaneity will persist.
