The VAR decision to disallow Julián Álvarez’s penalty in Real Madrid’s Champions League shootout win over Atlético madrid has sparked controversy. Atlético coach Diego Simeone questioned the ruling, arguing that the ball did not move despite VAR determining that Álvarez had touched it twice.The round-of-16 tie ended 2-2 on aggregate after Conor Gallagher’s goal forced extra time. In the shootout, Real Madrid emerged victorious with goals from Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde, and Antonio Rüdiger. Álvarez’s penalty was disallowed due to him touching the ball with both feet as he slipped.
Simeone expressed pride in his team’s performance and accepted the outcome gracefully. Real Madrid will now face Arsenal in the quarterfinals.
Despite dominating much of the game, Simeone defended his players and questioned whether Álvarez truly touched the ball twice during his penalty kick. Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois supported UEFA’s decision based on VAR evidence and dismissed claims of bias towards any team.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged penalties as a game of chance and revealed that he initially planned for Endrick to take the decisive spot kick before opting for Rüdiger,who successfully converted it. both teams displayed sportsmanship throughout a tense match filled with controversial moments.
