Atletico Madrid’s Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid will be remembered for one of the most controversial VAR decisions in recent memory. Julian Alvarez’s penalty, initially given as a goal, was ruled out after VAR determined that he had accidentally made a double contact with the ball due to a slip. This decision ultimately contributed to Atletico’s defeat in the shootout, ending their European hopes.
UEFA defended the ruling, stating that, under current laws, any double touch on a penalty intentional or not renders the attempt invalid. However, the governing body has acknowledged the controversy and plans to discuss potential rule changes with FIFA and IFAB. The key issue is whether an unintentional double touch should result in disqualification of a goal, especially when no clear advantage is gained.
Atletico coach Diego Simeone was visibly frustrated, questioning the clarity of the decision and challenging the media to produce clear footage of the double touch. Alvarez himself insisted that he did not feel the ball make contact with his standing foot, stating that he had watched replays numerous times without detecting a decisive second touch.
While some Real Madrid players sympathised with Atletico’s frustration, others maintained that the rules were correctly applied. Nevertheless, this incident has sparked debate about the need for rule adjustments, particularly in cases where unintended technicalities have a significant impact on major games.
The Rise of Julian Alvarez
Despite this controversy, Alvarez has proven to be a key figure for Atletico since his high-profile move from Manchester City last summer. Initially struggling to adapt, he has since found his rhythm, scoring 23 goals and providing five assists in 44 appearances across all competitions. With Antoine Griezmann likely to leave this summer, Alvarez is set to become Atletico’s primary attacking force.
Interestingly, his career path could have been very different. Before joining Manchester City in January 2022, Barcelona were in advanced negotiations to sign him for just €22 million. However, they opted instead for Ferran Torres at a much higher fee of €60 million. Looking back, Barcelona may regret that decision, as Alvarez has developed into a world-class forward, while Torres, though improving, has struggled to reach the same heights.
Atletico Madrid will undoubtedly hold onto Alvarez, knowing he is crucial to their future. Meanwhile, UEFA's upcoming discussions could lead to crucial rule changes that prevent similar controversies in the future.
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