Julian Alvarez could only stand by and watch as the referee’s whistle sealed Atletico Madrid’s fate in the Champions League Round of 16. The penalty he thought he’d buried against Real Madrid was suddenly wiped away. VAR had intervened, claiming the Argentine striker had touched the ball twice when his foot slipped during the kick.
He admits he’s replayed that moment again and again. “I’ve watched it 1,000 times, there are videos everywhere,” Alvarez said. “The truth is that I don’t feel the touch, because if there were two touches, the contact is minimal and it’s very difficult to perceive it. I think the rule has to be a little clearer because I don’t try to take any advantage. It’s a shame what happened.”
Real Madrid’s players reportedly expressed sympathy, though they insisted the match officials made the correct decision. Diego Simeone, Alvarez’s manager at Atletico, was not quite as forgiving. He questioned the referee’s reliance on VAR, especially in such a high-stakes shootout. UEFA then released footage it says confirms a second contact occurred, even if it’s barely visible to the naked eye.
A call for clarity on unintentional double touches
In light of this incident, UEFA has announced it will consult with FIFA and the International Football Association Board to consider changes to the “double touch” penalty rule. They hope to address situations where a slip leads to an accidental second touch, as Alvarez asserts happened to him. The growing debate comes when VAR’s role has been scrutinized in high-profile matches all over Europe.
Beyond the controversy, speculation swirls around Alvarez’s future. Last year, he moved from Manchester City to Atletico Madrid for up to $106 million, seeking regular playing time. His agent, Fernando Hidalgo, recently revealed that Liverpool had previously tried to sign him. Rumors have resurfaced that the Merseyside club might explore another deal, with some suggesting that Darwin Nunez could be part of a potential swap.
Such speculation has only grown as Alvarez continues to impress, even amid the penalty fiasco. However, Atletico Madrid executive Carlos Busero poured cold water on the latest rumors. For now, Alvarez seems focused on helping Atletico chase silverware in La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
Like many players before him, Alvarez argues that the rules around unintentional double contacts should be as straightforward as those governing goalkeepers who come off their lines. He believes there’s no advantage in a brief slip, only heartbreak when a pivotal goal is disallowed.
In the aftermath, he’s chosen to keep his head high. There’s no sense dwelling on what might have been. “I don’t feel the contact,” he reiterated. “If it were two touches, the contact is minimal and it’s very hard to perceive.”
