Atletico Madrid forward Julián Álvarez’s disallowed penalty against Real Madrid in the shootout has sparked intense debate.
Even during the penalty shootout, the decision raised eyebrows. But after the match, it turned into a heated controversy. Many struggled to understand why Álvarez’s goal was canceled, while others were familiar with the rule. Some still had doubts even after learning the regulation.
The incident occurred during the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16, when Atletico Madrid took their second penalty. Álvarez converted his shot, and it was initially counted on the scoreboard, making the shootout 2-2. However, moments later, the goal was overturned.
Commentators explained that Álvarez’s goal was ruled out due to a “double touch.” Even the Argentine forward’s celebration was somewhat subdued—perhaps he sensed something was off.
The disallowed goal played a crucial role in the final outcome. Real Madrid’s Lucas Vázquez also missed his penalty, but Atletico Madrid failed to capitalize as Marcos Llorente struck the crossbar.
However, the biggest post-match discussion centered around Álvarez’s penalty. Atletico’s coach Diego Simeone and his players were visibly frustrated. This led to intense scrutiny of the rule that led to the goal being disallowed.
According to Law 14 of the International Football Association Board (IFAB), a penalty taker cannot touch the ball twice before another player makes contact. If this happens during regular play, the referee awards an indirect free kick. In a penalty shootout, the goal simply does not count.
The rule states:
“Once the ball is touched, the kicker cannot play it again until another player makes contact.”
This means that if the shooter touches the ball twice—whether with the same foot, the other foot, or any other body part—the goal is invalid.
After reviewing VAR, the referee determined that Álvarez lost slight control of the ball, making an unintended touch with his left foot before striking it with his right. Despite the ball finding the net, the goal was ruled out.
Atletico coach Diego Simeone later claimed there was no clear evidence of a double touch, while Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti insisted the video replay made it obvious.
