Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has criticized the decision to disallow his penalty during his team’s Champions League last-16 defeat to Real Madrid.
Diego Simeone’s side exited the competition on penalties after Alvarez’s spot-kick, which initially found the net, was ruled out by VAR. Officials determined that he had unintentionally made contact with the ball twice due to a slip, though replays failed to clearly confirm the double touch.
The former Manchester City star has now joined others in questioning the ruling, insisting he did not feel the ball make contact with his standing foot as he took the shot.
“I have watched it 1,000 times, there are videos everywhere,” said Alvarez. “The truth is that I don’t feel the touch, because if there were two touches, the contact is minimal and it is very difficult to perceive it. I think the rule has to be a little clearer because I don’t try to take any advantage and if the goalkeeper is off his line when he makes a save, the penalty is repeated. This is not to take any advantage. It’s a shame what happened.”
UEFA has responded to the controversy by releasing footage confirming a second touch on the ball during Alvarez’s penalty. They have also announced plans to discuss potential rule changes with FIFA and the International Football Association Board, aiming to amend the double-touch penalty rule in cases where the contact is clearly unintentional, as seen with Alvarez’s effort.
Simeone did not hold back his frustration after the match, while several Real Madrid players showed sympathy for Alvarez, despite agreeing that the referees ultimately made the correct call.
Alvarez has been linked with a surprising move to Anfield this summer after his agent, Fernando Hidalgo, revealed that Liverpool attempted to sign him last year. The World Cup winner left Manchester City due to limited playing time, especially in key matches, and eventually joined Atletico Madrid in a deal worth up to $106 million. Despite his recent move, speculation continues to swirl about Liverpool’s renewed interest in the forward.
The Reds pursuit of Alvarez could have altered his career path had they successfully signed him last year. Following the comments from his agent, reports suggested that the soon-to-be Premier League champions might reignite their interest this summer, potentially including Darwin Nunez in a swap deal with Atletico Madrid.
However, Atletico Madrid executive Carlos Busero has dismissed these claims, stating, “The talk about Liverpool submitting an official offer to sign our player Julian Alvarez is incorrect. What is being circulated is just rumors,” in an interview with 365 Scores.
