Last week, Real Madrid made it into the Champions League quarter-finals at the expense of Atletico Madrid – but it was not without controversy. It took a penalty shoot-out for the teams to the separated across two legs, and in that, Los Blancos walked away with a 4-2 success, but it could have been so different had it not been for VAR intervention.
Atleti striker Julian Alvarez was flagged for a “double-touch” penalty during the shoot-out. His effort was scored, but after a VAR review, it was deemed that he has touched the ball with both feet, and because of this, it was annulled.
Atleti were furious about this, and many neutrals have also expressed unease about the decision – and it has led to conversations about whether the rule needs to be changed.
Alvarez himself has now addressed the matter in an interview with ESPN (via Sport). He admitted that he did not feel that the ball had touched his left foot, and he also expressed a desire for the rule to be changed by UEFA/FIFA.
“I have watched it a thousand times, there are videos everywhere. The truth is that I don’t feel the touch, because if there were two touches, the contact is minimal and it is very difficult to perceive it.
“I think the rule has to be a little clearer because I don’t try to take any advantage and if the goalkeeper is off his line when he makes a save, the penalty is repeated. This is not to take any advantage. It’s a shame what happened.”
The matter has certainly left a bad taste in Atletico Madrid’s mouth, as they lost another Champions League match-up against their bitter rivals. Alvarez and his teammates must now contend themselves with fighting for success in La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
cimdlrtyz
125
technology is there to prove it. even if he didn't feel the touch the contact is there with his boot so stop trying to justify it. Everyone knows it. only Atletico Madrid and Barcelona says it is not double tap
vecekmnosu
84
Real Madrid is always favored by FIFA, there's where their strength lies, had it not been for FIFA, Real Madrid would've find it difficult against most teams in Europe. Barca is the only team Madrid have fear for.
JàmesŒ
77
Alvarez touched it twice, there’s proof everywhere, the ball have a sensor, if you were 100% confident that you didn’t touch it twice, you would’ve said it, don’t be a hypocrite, we all agree that it should’ve been retaken but rules are rules
yoziscijr_99
55
"The contact is minimal" shit statement its like saying my sins are very small to God ...contact is contact stop crying and move on
Obedienc-Daniel
17
technology is there to prove it. even if he didn't feel the touch the contact is there with his boot so stop trying to justify it. Everyone knows it. only Atletico Madrid and Barcelona says it is not double tap
the whole world except Real Madrid fans
Yudabksuy
14
technology is there to prove it. even if he didn't feel the touch the contact is there with his boot so stop trying to justify it. Everyone knows it. only Atletico Madrid and Barcelona says it is not double tap
Why don't they gave him a chance to re-take penalty once again...🤷
Dohaepsy
14
technology is there to prove it. even if he didn't feel the touch the contact is there with his boot so stop trying to justify it. Everyone knows it. only Atletico Madrid and Barcelona says it is not double tap
The rule is stupid and outdated. That for me should have stood regardless because the goalkeeper was already going the wrong direction and the ball did not change it's direction. A deciding game should not be won like that
panenka10
13
technology is there to prove it. even if he didn't feel the touch the contact is there with his boot so stop trying to justify it. Everyone knows it. only Atletico Madrid and Barcelona says it is not double tap
who is everyone?....you mean Real Madrid?
AngelBhusalBarçafan
11
Alvarez touched it twice, there’s proof everywhere, the ball have a sensor, if you were 100% confident that you didn’t touch it twice, you would’ve said it, don’t be a hypocrite, we all agree that it should’ve been retaken but rules are rules
Where is the sensor? Where is the proof? The only “proof” they had was the slow motion of video which didn’t really show anything to confirm that there was contact. If they had sensor and saw that, then they should have shown that sensor data to everyone.
Yaser_Sobhan
11
Real Madrid is always favored by FIFA, there's where their strength lies, had it not been for FIFA, Real Madrid would've find it difficult against most teams in Europe. Barca is the only team Madrid have fear for.
I see. The only thing you want is beating Madrid. I hope Barca beat Madrid in every game and Madrid left the trophies because Madrid's intention is to win trophies not winning Barca.
Piubikmnz
10
technology is there to prove it. even if he didn't feel the touch the contact is there with his boot so stop trying to justify it. Everyone knows it. only Atletico Madrid and Barcelona says it is not double tap
this is straight Robbery, Real Madrid and their Fans should be ashamed of themselves....... fifa team
robby_amoah
10
technology is there to prove it. even if he didn't feel the touch the contact is there with his boot so stop trying to justify it. Everyone knows it. only Atletico Madrid and Barcelona says it is not double tap
wow, affiliation can make people blind n hateful
Drfos21
9
technology is there to prove it. even if he didn't feel the touch the contact is there with his boot so stop trying to justify it. Everyone knows it. only Atletico Madrid and Barcelona says it is not double tap
Fine agreed with you that there’s technology but why didn’t he replay the penalty so far he scored it initially. They’re clearly doing everything for Real Madrid to claim this trophy and the officials are supporting them.
fooaksz
9
Alvarez touched it twice, there’s proof everywhere, the ball have a sensor, if you were 100% confident that you didn’t touch it twice, you would’ve said it, don’t be a hypocrite, we all agree that it should’ve been retaken but rules are rules
if there is a sensor in the ball why was it counted at first they used VAR to review