Final Score: Atlético Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid (Aggregate: 2-2; Real Madrid won 4-2 on penalties)
Venue: Metropolitano Stadium, Madrid
Competition: UEFA Champions League – Round of 16 (Second Leg)
Real Madrid Win Madrid Derby Thriller as VAR Controversy Shocks Atlético Fans
Real Madrid advanced to the Champions League quarterfinals after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Atlético Madrid in the second leg of their UCL Round of 16 clash. The game ended 1-0 to Atlético, leveling the aggregate at 2-2, but Los Blancos held their nerve in penalties (4-2) to eliminate their city rivals.
However, VAR controversy stole the headlines, as Julián Álvarez’s penalty was ruled out for a double touch, sparking protests from Atlético players and fans.
VAR Drama: Julián Álvarez’s Disallowed Penalty – What Happened?
During the shootout, Álvarez stepped up for Atlético’s second penalty after Griezmann had scored their first. He struck the ball cleanly, but his standing foot slipped slightly on the wet turf, causing him to make an unintentional second contact. The ball hit the post and went in, appearing to equalize the shootout.
- Real Madrid players immediately protested, claiming Álvarez touched the ball twice.
- Referee Danny Makkelie checked the VAR screen and confirmed the double contact, disallowing the goal.
According to IFAB Rule 14, if a player touches the ball twice before another player does, the goal is disallowed. The referee ruled Álvarez guilty of this technical violation.
- Diego Simeone : “This is a joke. A slip should not decide a Champions League knockout tie!”
- Julián Álvarez: “I didn’t even feel the second touch. I feel robbed.”
Carlo Ancelotti
- “Rules are rules. It’s an unfortunate moment, but the referee made the right call.”
Key Moments in Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid
✅ Vinícius Júnior’s Missed Penalty: Real Madrid had a golden opportunity in the second half when Vinícius won a penalty, but the Brazilian skied his shot over the bar.
✅ Griezmann Substituted Before Penalties: Atlético fans were shocked when Simeone took off Antoine Griezmann in extra time, leaving one of their best penalty takers out of the shootout.
✅ Marcos Llorente’s Crossbar Miss: Atlético had another chance to stay in the game, but Llorente’s penalty struck the crossbar, giving Real Madrid the edge.
✅ Rüdiger Scores Winning Penalty: The decisive moment came when Antonio Rüdiger smashed home Real Madrid’s fourth penalty, sealing the victory.
Reports suggest Atlético considered filing an official protest over the decision, arguing that the double touch was an unavoidable slip and should not have been penalized.
UEFA backed the referee’s decision, calling it a “clear and correct application of the law.”
- Real Madrid fans: “Rules are rules. No controversy here.”
- Atlético fans: “The Champions League script always favors Real Madrid!”
This incident reignites discussions on VAR’s impact on football, with some believing it ensures fairness, while others feel it ruins the game’s flow.
Real Madrid Faces Arsenal in the Champions League Quarterfinals
Ancelotti’s side moves on to face Arsenal, setting up a blockbuster European showdown.
Atlético Shifts Focus to La Liga
With their European dreams over, Atlético will now focus on finishing strong in La Liga and securing Champions League qualification for next season.
Conclusion: Was Atlético Madrid Unlucky, or Was VAR Right?
This match had everything a fierce Madrid derby, penalty drama, and a controversial VAR decision that will be debated for years. Real Madrid marches on, while Atlético leaves the competition heartbroken
