Thierry Henry about Alvarez’s disallowed penalty in Real Madrid vs. Atletico

March 13, 2025

In the recent UEFA Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, a controversial moment unfolded when Julian Alvarez’s penalty was disallowed. The match, which ended in a dramatic penalty shootout, saw Real Madrid emerge victorious with a 4-2 win. However, the disallowed penalty by Alvarez became the focal point of the match.

During the penalty shootout, Alvarez stepped up to take his shot. Despite slipping, he managed to send the ball past Real Madrid’s goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois. The Atletico fans erupted in celebration, believing their team had equalized. However, the joy was short-lived as the referee, Szymon Marciniak, called for a VAR review. The review concluded that Alvarez had made contact with the ball twice—once with his striking foot and again with his standing foot as he slipped during the attempt.

According to the International Football Association Board (IFAB) Laws of the Game, a penalty taker cannot touch the ball a second time until it has been played by another player. This rule applies equally to regular play and penalty shootouts, where any second touch from the taker results in the penalty being disallowed. The decision sparked confusion and frustration among Atletico players and fans, with many questioning the validity of the call.

Atletico Madrid’s manager, Diego Simeone, expressed his doubts about the decision but hoped the officials were correct. He stated that he had never seen a penalty where VAR was called, but he wanted to believe that the officials saw the double touch. On the other hand, Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, agreed that the right call was made, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the rules.

The disallowed penalty added to the drama of an already intense match. Atletico Madrid had given everything in an effort to shake off their UEFA Champions League derby demons, but the football gods had only more heartbreak in store for them. Despite the controversy, Real Madrid gritted their teeth and ground their way into the next round, where they will meet Arsenal.

The incident serves as a reminder of the fine margins that can determine the outcome of a match. While the decision may have been harsh on Atletico Madrid, it underscores the importance of adhering to the rules and the role of technology in modern football.

Thierry Henry, a legendary figure in football, has always been known for his insightful analysis and sharp observations. His commentary on the recent Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, particularly regarding Julian Alvarez’s disallowed penalty, has sparked widespread discussion.

The match itself was a dramatic affair, with both teams battling fiercely for a place in the quarter-finals. The penalty shootout became the focal point of the game, and Alvarez’s attempt was a moment of high tension. As he stepped up to take the penalty, a slip caused him to make contact with the ball twice—once with his striking foot and again with his standing foot. The ball soared into the net, but the referee, after consulting VAR, ruled the penalty invalid due to the double touch, as per the International Football Association Board (IFAB) Laws of the Game.

Henry, known for his articulate and passionate commentary, weighed in on the incident. He highlighted the harshness of the decision, emphasizing the fine margins that often define football at the highest level. While acknowledging the rules, he expressed empathy for Alvarez and Atletico Madrid, who were left heartbroken by the outcome. Henry’s perspective resonated with fans and pundits alike, as it underscored the human element of the sport amidst the rigid application of technology and rules.

The disallowed penalty not only influenced the outcome of the match but also reignited debates about the role of VAR in football. Henry’s analysis served as a reminder of the complexities and emotions that make football the beautiful game, even in moments of controversy.