Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has expressed disbelief over the VAR decision that played a pivotal role in his team’s Champions League elimination on Wednesday night.
Julian Alvarez’s penalty was disallowed by VAR during the shootout against Real Madrid, a crucial moment that shifted the momentum in favor of the Spanish giants, who went on to win 4-2.
Alvarez took the fourth penalty for Atletico Madrid, following successful kicks from Kylian Mbappe, Alexander Sorloth, and Jude Bellingham. Although he appeared to slip before striking the ball, he managed to find the top corner of the net. However, the shootout was paused as VAR reviewed the situation.
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Upon closer inspection, VAR determined that Alvarez’s standing foot had slightly made contact with the ball before he struck it, leading the referee to rule it a double touch.
After the game, Simeone voiced his frustration, stating that he had never witnessed such a situation before and insisting that Alvarez had only touched the ball once.
Simeone said, “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. I’ve never seen VAR call to review a penalty in a shootout.”
Real Madrid advanced with their 4-2 win and will face Arsenal in the quarter-finals in April.