It wouldn’t be a Madrid derby, especially not one in Europe, without controversy. It was saved for sixth-to-last kick of the game, but it could barely have been more heated. Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez, their shining light across the two legs, appeared to have done the business from the penalty spot in the shootout, but referee Szymon Marciniak ruled out the goal after an intervention from the VAR.
It was ruled that Alvarez had touched the ball twice when taking his spot kick, with his left foot making contact before his right, thus ruling the penalty unsuccessful. For some time, it was not immediately clear why to most, and certainly in the stadium, the Metropolitano was not aware of the events occurring.
Manager Diego Simeone protested that he had not seen the double touch after the game, while Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said that on replay, he could see it. It was a topic of hot debate, as fans around the world watched replays again and again searching for what the VAR had seen.
However now slowed down footage from the reverse angle of the penalty does appear to show the ball lift slightly off the turf before Alvarez makes impact.
A closer look at THAT penalty from Julián Alvarez 😱 pic.twitter.com/HdyUQ0TeOE
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 13, 2025
The decision to overturn Julián Alvarez's penalty was made by semi-automated technology, reveals rules expert @ChristinaUnkel pic.twitter.com/xeUJCmzPRJ
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 13, 2025
Julián Álvarez resbaló al lanzar el penalti y, tras tocar dos veces el balón, se invalidó su lanzamiento en el VAR#UCL #LaCasaDelFútbol pic.twitter.com/sgWgc6RijW
— Fútbol en Movistar Plus+ (@MovistarFutbol) March 12, 2025
— kiyansoburner (@kiyansoclips) March 13, 2025
Even so, it has not satisfied everyone. Some say that Alvarez’s foot moved the turf rather than the ball, causing it to hop slightly, while other Atletico Madrid fans have questioned whether the footage satisfies the criteria for a ‘clear and obvious’ error.
For Real Madrid, they feel vindicated – Thibaut Courtois notes that he not only saw it in real-time, but was sick of Atletico’s complaints about it. Either way, it was certainly a cruel ending for Alvarez after his excellent performances, and continues Atletico’s run of painful losses to their city rivals in Europe.
Never a double touch unless it is clear and obvious. It was NOT.
Is Alvarez the second Ronaldo in football?