VAR Controversy Erupts in Real Madrid’s Champions League Win Over Atletico Madrid
Controversy marred the Champions League clash between Madrid rivals as Real Madrid advanced to the next round after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Atletico Madrid. The shootout featured a highly contentious VAR decision that has left football fans questioning the consistency of penalty rules.
The second leg began with Atletico Madrid quickly erasing Real’s 2-1 advantage when Conor Gallagher found the net in the opening minute. Despite opportunities for both sides—including a missed Vinicius Junior penalty after Mbappe was fouled by Lenglet—the match ended 1-0 on the night, 2-2 on aggregate, forcing extra time and eventually penalties.
During the shootout, Julian Alvarez appeared to have successfully converted Atletico’s second penalty. However, in a moment that sparked immediate debate, VAR officials reviewed the kick and disallowed it for double contact as Alvarez slipped during his run-up.
The Argentine forward’s foot made what appeared to be accidental secondary contact with the ball as he lost his footing. Despite precedents in similar situations where players have been allowed to retake penalties, officials ruled it as a miss for Atletico.
Fan Outrage Over Penalty Decision
The controversial call triggered immediate reactions across social media, with supporters questioning the inconsistency in penalty retake rules:
- “How does he not get to retake that penalty? It was a slip… hardly intentional. If the keeper comes off the line it gets retaken?”
- “Check the replay but I don’t understand why he wasn’t allowed to retake.”
- “Surely just retake the pen then. Kinda ruins it cancelling it.”
- “I swear that has always been a retake?????”
Former Real Madrid player Steve McManaman, commentating for TNT Sports, acknowledged the element of fortune that favored his old club: “Sometimes the best team doesn’t win. Sometimes you need a huge chunk of luck to go through. Real Madrid have had luck in spades tonight. Julian Alvarez slipping, an irregular kick disallowed.”
Antonio Rudiger ultimately scored the decisive penalty to give Real Madrid a 4-2 shootout victory, sending Los Blancos through to the next round in dramatic circumstances.
The incident has reignited debate about VAR consistency and penalty rules in high-pressure situations. Many football analysts have pointed out that while double-touch penalties are technically against the rules, similar situations resulting from accidental slips have historically been handled with more flexibility.
For Atletico Madrid, the defeat continues their frustrating pattern of near misses against their cross-town rivals in European competition. Diego Simeone’s men put forth a valiant effort but ultimately fell short in what many observers considered a match they dominated for significant stretches.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, continue their pursuit of another Champions League title, though questions remain about their performance level despite advancing.
What do you think about the controversial VAR decision? Was Alvarez unfairly denied a retake, or did officials make the correct call according to the rules? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the debate about this contentious Champions League moment!