Carlo Ancelotti, the esteemed Real Madrid coach, found himself at the center of a heated debate following the controversial penalty incident involving Julian Alvarez during the Champions League Round of 16 match against Atletico Madrid. The match, which ended in a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout victory for Real Madrid, saw Alvarez’s penalty disallowed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) due to a double touch.
The incident occurred when Alvarez, while taking his penalty, slipped and inadvertently made contact with the ball twice—once with his left foot and then with his right. This double touch led to the VAR ruling the penalty invalid, much to the frustration of Atletico Madrid fans and players. Ancelotti, initially puzzled by the decision, reviewed the footage and ultimately supported the VAR’s call. “I think he had a second touch,” Ancelotti stated, acknowledging the accuracy of the decision.
The disallowed penalty proved to be a pivotal moment in the match, as it contributed to Real Madrid’s progression to the quarter-finals. Despite the controversy, Ancelotti remained composed and focused on the positive outcome for his team. He praised the VAR system for its role in ensuring fair play and emphasized the importance of adhering to the rules of the game.
Atletico Madrid’s coach, Diego Simeone, expressed his disappointment with the decision, questioning the validity of the double touch ruling. However, Ancelotti’s confidence in the VAR’s judgment highlighted the growing acceptance of technology in modern football. The incident served as a reminder of the fine margins that can determine the outcome of high-stakes matches and the crucial role of VAR in maintaining the integrity of the sport.
Real Madrid performance and stats
Real Madrid
Real Madrid is currently 11th in the Champions League with 15 points.
In the last 11 games, it has won 8 times and lost 3 times. In its last match, Real Madrid won 2-1 against Atlético Madrid.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 20 goals and conceding 12.
