Real Madrid have eliminated city rivals Atletico Madrid from the UEFA Champions League in a dramatic penalty shootout, with one of the major talking points being Julian Alvarez’s disallowed penalty.
Madrid Prevail After 210 Minutes of Battle
After a 2-2 aggregate scoreline over two legs, the match went into extra time, but neither side could find a winner. The tense encounter was eventually decided by a penalty shootout at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Why Alvarez’s Penalty Was Disallowed
Atletico Madrid’s second taker, Julian Alvarez, saw his penalty ruled out by VAR after he appeared to slip while taking the shot. The review showed that the Argentine inadvertently touched the ball twice once with his left foot before it entered the net.
According to IFAB’s Rule 14 on penalty kicks:
“The kicker must not play the ball again until it has touched another player.”
Since penalties cannot be struck with both feet, the goal was disallowed, handing Real Madrid a lifeline.
Shootout Drama & Rudiger’s Decisive Strike
Lucas Vazquez had missed for Madrid before former Los Blancos star Marcos Llorente failed to convert for Atletico. Eventually, Antonio Rudiger stepped up and sealed Madrid’s win, securing their place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
Simeone’s Reaction: Furious at VAR
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone was furious in the post-match press conference. He questioned the decision, claiming no one saw the double touch in real-time.
“To anyone here: raise your hand if you saw that Julián touched the ball twice in the penalty. Come on! And? Ready? Nobody raises theirs. Another question.” — Simeone to journalists (Diario Sport)
Alvarez himself was surprised by the decision:
“ I didn’t feel anything [about touching the ball with both feet].”
Ancelotti & Courtois: “The Right Decision”
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois defended the referee’s decision. The Belgian shot-stopper claimed he had a feeling Alvarez touched the ball twice and alerted the referee.
Madrid Set for Arsenal Quarter-Final Clash
With Atletico knocked out, Real Madrid will now face Premier League side Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals as they chase their 16th UCL title.
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