Why was Julian Alvarez's penalty disallowed in Champions League clash?
What's the story
In the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match, Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez had his penalty disallowed for 'double touch' violation.
The incident took place during a tense penalty shootout against rivals Real Madrid, resulting in an unexpected victory for the latter.
The controversial decision has sparked widespread debate among fans and analysts alike.
Let's delve into the details of this intriguing incident that unfolded on the field.
Penalty mishap
The incident that led to Alvarez's penalty being disallowed
The Champions League clash between Atletico and Real went the latter's way as Antonio Rudiger converted the decisive penalty in the shootout.
Although Atletico midfielder Conor Gallagher's early strike leveled aggregate scores, neither side could gain an advantage within 120 minutes of play, leading to a tie-breaker where Real emerged victorious with a scoreline of 4-2.
The game was marred by controversy as Atletico forward Alvarez's penalty was disallowed after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check.
VAR involvement
Alvarez's penalty was ruled out after VAR intervention
Alvarez, taking the second penalty for his side, slipped but beat Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
However, the VAR team reviewed the goal, and it was disallowed.
A replay of the incident showed the former Manchester City forward had indeed touched the ball twice as he slipped while shooting.
This led to his penalty being disallowed and sparked widespread debate among fans and analysts alike.
Rule clarification
What do the rules say about double touches?
According to the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which decides football laws, there can only be one touch during a penalty kick.
Article 14.1 of IFAB reads: "The kicker must not play the ball again until it has touched another player."
This rule also bars scoring on a rebound if the ball hits the woodwork.
If such an incident happens during regular play, an indirect free-kick is awarded to opposing team but in a shootout, goal doesn't count.
Historical context
Previous instances of similar penalty disallowance
Notably, this isn't the first time a penalty was disallowed for double touches.
In 2017, Leicester City's Riyad Mahrez had his penalty ruled out after he slipped and his standing foot touched the ball before conversion.
Likewise, in 2023, Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic had a penalty disallowed under similar circumstances while playing against Newcastle United.
These incidents emphasize the strictness of rules regarding double touches during penalties in football matches.
Reactions
Simeone reacts to Alvarez's disallowed penalty
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone was left in disbelief over the decision.
He said, "I've never seen the VAR called to review a penalty in a shootout... Never!"
He added, "Did you see him touching the ball twice? Please whoever was present in the stadium and saw him touching the ball twice, raise your hand! I don't see anybody with their hand raised so that's all I have to say."
Do you know?
Do you know?
As per Opta, Real have now eliminated Atletico in all four of their two-legged European Cup/Champions League ties and have won all six penalty shoot-outs against the red and white team in their history. Meanwhile, Real reached their 40th quarter-final in the competition.