‘Ball Didn’t Move’, Simeone On Controversial Alvarez Penalty Decision

Simeone Questions VAR Decision as Real Madrid Edge Atletico in Champions League Thriller
Real Madrid secured a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Atletico Madrid after their last-16 tie ended in a 2-2 aggregate draw on Wednesday. However, the match was overshadowed by controversy surrounding Julian Alvarez’s disallowed penalty, which VAR ruled out for a supposed double touch.
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone cast doubt on the ruling, suggesting Alvarez’s standing foot did not move the ball.
“The referee said Julian touched the ball with his standing foot, but the ball did not move,” Simeone told reporters.
Despite the setback, Simeone remained proud of his players.
“We competed in an exemplary way. Yes, we couldn’t beat Real Madrid in the Champions League, but they had a really tough time against us again.”
He also challenged reporters to raise their hands if they had seen clear video evidence of Alvarez touching the ball twice.
“Who saw Julian touch it twice? Raise your hand. Nobody? Exactly.”
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois claimed he felt Alvarez had made two contacts with the ball as he slipped.
“I told the referee I felt he had touched it twice. It’s tough luck for them, but that’s football.”
Courtois also criticized Atletico’s complaints, while taking a subtle dig at his own club’s recent criticism of Spanish referees.
“I’m sick of this victim mentality, always crying about referees. UEFA saw it clearly, VAR had plenty of angles.”
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti agreed with the call.
“VAR detected it immediately. I saw it too—he touched it with his left foot, it was a second touch.”
With the decision standing, Real Madrid move on to the quarter-finals, while Atletico Madrid bow out in frustration. Despite their spirited fight, Simeone’s side once again fell short in the Champions League against their city rivals.
AFP