Alvarez Can't Believe The Applicability Was Disallowed When Atletico Lost Against Real Madrid

Julian Alvarez is still confused that his penalty was disallowed in the match Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid (Instagram/@athleticodemadrid).

JAKARTA - Julian Alvarez did not believe that after his penalty kick was disallowed in Atletico Madrid's defeat in the last 16 of the Champions League from Real Madrid.

The footage shows the attacker was judged to have touched the ball twice while talking to his team-mates.

Alvarez's penalty was disallowed after a VAR check determined that he had touched the ball twice, once with each leg, before defeating Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

UEFA released a video on Thursday, March 13, 2025, showing Alvarez's standing feet making "minimal" contacts.

UEFA later said it would discuss with FIFA and IFAB about possible changes to the rules related to the incident that happened to Alvarez.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid told ESPN that Alvarez didn't feel he had touched the ball twice and his shot ended up where he wanted it.

Alvarez also doesn't believe the decision - which sparked early confusion inside the stadium - because he didn't see any clear and convincing images to prove that the penalty kick should have been disallowed.

However, ESPN footage of Alvarez's conversation with his team-mate in the middle circle, seconds after the penalty was disallowed, seems to suggest he acknowledged the possibility.

"I don't know. I could have done it, but I didn't know," Alvarez said when asked if he had touched it twice.

Atletico manager Diego Simeone also questioned the decision on the same day. He even challenged reporters at a press conference after the game to raise their hands if they saw the ball move.

Atletico then reportedly petitioned UEFA for the incident on Thursday, March 13, 2024 and was immediately responded to.

"Although minimal, the player made contact with the ball using his leg that stood before kicking it, as shown in the attached video clip."

"Based on current rules (Pame Law, Law 14.1), VAR must summon the referee who signal that the goal must be disallowed."

"UEFA will hold discussions with FIFA and IFAB to determine whether the rule should be reviewed in cases where the double touch is clearly unintentional," UEFA's response read.

Atletico did win 1-0 at Metropolitano on Thursday, March 13, 2025, early morning WIB, thanks to Conor Gallagher's early goal, which equalized the aggregate to 2-2.

However, Real Madrid continued their journey to the quarter-finals after winning 4-2 on penalties. Los Blancos will face Arsenal in the top eight in April 2025.