Champions League: UEFA releases statement on Alvarez’s controversial penalty against Real Madrid

UEFA have released an official statement, to address the controversial penalty decision, that went against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

The Champions League last-16 tie had to be decided via a penalty shoot-out, after it ended 2-2 on aggregate after 210 minutes.

The key moment came when the fourth kick was taken by Julian Alvarez.

With the score at 2-1 in Real’s favour, Alvarez slipped as he took his effort.

Initially, it looked like he had got away with it after the ball flew into the roof of the net.

But the VAR official reviewed it and deemed Alvarez connected with the ball with his standing leg and then the other leg for a double kick.

That is against the rules with penalties so the ‘goal’ was ruled out.

So, instead of it being 2-2, it went back to 2-1 to Real, with Fede Valverde making it 3-1.

In a statement today, UEFA has explained why the penalty was cancelled.

The body also said they will have discussions with FIFA and IFAB, in a bid to review the rule.

UEFA’s statement read: “Atlético de Madrid enquired with UEFA over the incident, which led to the disallowance of the kick from the penalty mark taken by Julián Alvarez at the end of yesterday’s UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid.

“Although minimal, the player made contact with the ball using his standing foot before kicking it, as shown in the attached video clip. Under the current rule (Laws of the Game, Law 14.1), the VAR had to call the referee signalling that the goal should be disallowed.

“UEFA will enter discussions with FIFA and IFAB to determine whether the rule should be reviewed in cases where a double touch is clearly unintentional.”

Champions League: UEFA releases statement on Alvarez’s controversial penalty against Real Madrid