Author: Dieudonne Tebit | Date: March 13, 2025

In a dramatic UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash on March 12, 2025, Atlético Madrid faced their city rivals, Real Madrid, in a match that culminated in a penalty shootout. The spotlight fell on Julián Álvarez, whose penalty was controversially disallowed, significantly influencing the outcome in favor of Real Madrid.

The Incident: Álvarez's Slip and Double Touch
During the penalty shootout, Álvarez stepped up for Atlético's second attempt. As he struck the ball, he slipped, leading to an unintended double contact: his left foot grazed the ball before his right foot completed the kick. Despite the ball entering the net, the referee, upon VAR review, disallowed the goal, citing the double touch as the infraction.

Understanding the Rule: The Prohibition of Double Touches
According to the International Football Association Board's (IFAB) Laws of the Game, during a penalty kick, the taker is prohibited from touching the ball more than once until another player has made contact. Specifically, Law 14 states: "the kicker may not play the ball a second time." This rule ensures that the penalty taker does not gain an unfair advantage.

VAR Intervention: Confirming the Double Contact
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system played a crucial role in this scenario. While initial broadcasts did not clearly show the double touch, VAR officials utilized multiple camera angles to determine the infraction. Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois reportedly alerted the referee to the possibility of a double contact, prompting the VAR review.

Reactions and Controversy
The decision to disallow Álvarez's penalty sparked significant debate. Atlético Madrid's manager, Diego Simeone, expressed skepticism, challenging those present to confirm if they had seen the double touch. He stated, "Did you see him touching the ball twice? Please, whoever was present in the stadium and saw him touching the ball twice, the ball moving, please come forward and raise your hand!"

Impact on the Match Outcome
The disallowed penalty shifted the momentum in the shootout. Real Madrid capitalized on the situation, with Antonio Rüdiger converting the decisive penalty, securing their advancement to the quarter-finals. This incident adds to the narrative of Atlético's recurring challenges against their city rivals in European competitions.

Conclusion
Julián Álvarez's disallowed penalty serves as a poignant example of how intricate regulations and technological interventions like VAR can significantly influence the outcome of high-stakes football matches. While the enforcement of the double touch rule was correct, the controversy underscores the emotional and contentious nature of such decisions in critical moments.