Read your favorite news, except the excluded topics, by you.
Register
No overlapping ads for registered users
A controversial VAR conclusion overshadowed Real Madrid’s dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday night. The decisive moment came when Julian Alvarez slipped while taking Atletico’s second penalty, leading to a double touch that saw his goal disallowed after a lengthy review.
The incident sparked outrage among Atletico players and fans, with confusion gripping the Metropolitano as the decision was not immediately communicated inside the stadium.
Alvarez’s penalty initially seemed to have gone in cleanly, striking the roof of the net despite his slip. However, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois claimed he immediately sensed an irregularity.
“I told the referee that I thought Alvarez touched the ball twice,” Courtois later revealed. VAR officials then intervened, reviewing the footage to determine whether Alvarez’s left foot had inadvertently nudged the ball onto his right before the shot.
After a lengthy pause, referee Szymon Marciniak ruled the penalty invalid, citing a double touch. Atletico’s players protested, and the home crowd erupted in frustration, unaware of the decision until much later. While the stadium screens showed no clear replay at the time, an angle emerged after full-time, confirming Alvarez’s accidental second touch.
With Atletico trailing 2-1 in the shoot-out after the overturned penalty, Real Madrid took full advantage. Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappe converted their penalties, while Marcos Llorente’s miss proved costly for the hosts.
Antonio Rudiger sealed the win with a strike that slipped past Jan Oblak’s hands, clinching a 4-2 victory for the reigning champions.
The result extended Real Madrid’s dominance over their city rivals in the Champions League, having now eliminated Atletico in five consecutive knockout meetings, including two finals.
For Diego Simeone’s side, however, the night will be remembered for the controversy, as the VAR intervention left a bitter taste in what was otherwise an intensely fought contest, with Atletico maintaining a 1-0 lead thoughout the game and the extra 30 minutes.
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.