Last week Real Madrid reached the quarterfinals of the Champions League at the expense of Atletico Madrid but It was not without controversy. It cost a penalty shoot-out for the teams for the separate over two legs, and Los Blancos ran away with a 4-2 success, but it could have been so different if it hadn't been for VAR intervention.
Atleti striker Julian Alvarez was marked during the shoot-out for a “double touch” punishment. His attempt was scored, but after a VAR review it was considered that he touched the ball with both feet, and therefore it was void.
Atleti were furious about this, and many neutrals have also expressed unrest about the decision – and it has led to conversations about whether the rule should be changed.
Alvarez itself has now tackled the case in an interview with ESPN (via Sport). He admitted that he did not feel that the ball had touched his left foot, and he also expressed the wish that the rule was changed by UEFA/FIFA.
“I have looked at it a thousand times, there are videos everywhere. The truth is that I do not feel the touch, because if there were two touches, the contact is minimal and it is very difficult to perceive it.
“I think the rule should be a little clearer, because I am not trying to take advantage and if the goalkeeper is not in line when he saves, the fine will be repeated. This is not to take advantage. It is a pity what happened.”
The case has certainly left a bad taste in the mouth of Atletico Madrid, because they still lost a Champions League match against their bitter rivals. Alvarez and his teammates must now claim with fighting for success in La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
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