Real Madrid defeated Atlético Madrid on penalties last night to secure a spot in the Champions League Quarter Finals, but the match’s defining moment was marred by VAR controversy. As Julián Álvarez stepped up for Atlético’s second penalty in the shootout, few could have anticipated an intervention from the dreaded Video Assistant Referee. Whether you’re a fan of Los Blancos or Los Rojiblancos, this ending felt unworthy of the intense 120-minute battle that preceded it.
Atlético erased their one-goal aggregate deficit within the opening 30 seconds of the second leg, courtesy of a rare goal from Conor Gallagher. They controlled most of the first half, creating chances while maintaining the defensive solidity that has defined Diego Simeone’s teams for over a decade. However, the momentum shifted in the second half, with Real Madrid dominating possession and pressing forward. As the game progressed into its later stages, it was abundantly clear that Atlético were playing for penalties— accentuated by Diego Simeone’s exuberant celebration when the full-time whistle rang out. That decision ultimately backfired, as Los Blancos once again eliminated their city rivals from the Champions League. Yet, like many matches in the modern era, the night’s defining moment came not from open play but from the intervention of VAR.
Julián Álvarez had the chance to level the shootout at 2-2— and he did, until VAR ruled that he had touched the ball twice while striking his penalty. Initially, the on-field referee allowed the goal, further clouding the already controversial application of VAR. The decision sparked immediate backlash, prompting UEFA to assess a potential rule change.
“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,” the organization stated on Thursday.
This controversy adds to a growing list of contentious VAR decisions. While the technology was introduced to provide clarity, its implementation has often led to microscopic scrutiny of match-defining moments— from marginal offside calls, to penalties and red cards influenced by slow-motion replays. Now, even spot kicks have fallen under its microscope.
If VAR’s role is to uphold clear and conclusive decision-making, last night’s ruling contradicted that principle. According to the laws of the game, if the video replay evidence isn’t definitive enough to overturn an on-field call, the original decision should stand. That was not the case here. Whether Álvarez touched the ball twice is beside the point— without conclusive proof, the penalty should have counted. This presents a dilemma for football lawmakers: the rules say a double touch is illegal, yet the lack of clear evidence should have preserved the referee’s decision. This dilemma will continue to be a prominent issue for UEFA until the lawmakers stop defining this free-flowing game by infinitesimal margins.
While opinions vary, Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has remained steadfast in his team’s innocence, and took action in his post-match press conference.
“Did you see it? What did they see?” he challenged reporters. “Did he touch it? Don’t be afraid. Did anyone here see that Julián touched it twice? Raise your hand.”
Simeone has every right to feel aggrieved, but Atlético’s struggles extended beyond VAR. Despite their early goal, they failed to push for a second and were outplayed for much of the match. Real Madrid’s front three— Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo— were below their usual standard, yet Atlético still opted for a conservative approach.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois shared a similar sentiment, dismissing Atlético’s complaints.
“UEFA sees it clearly, I’m fed up with this constant victimhood and crying about things like this,” the Belgian international stated. “The referee doesn’t benefit any team, neither in Spain nor in Europe.”
“If you’re winning 1-0 from the first minute and then don’t go for the second, that’s probably where the mistake of their game lies,” he later added.
With the dust settling, an exhilarating quarterfinal bracket awaits, featuring heavyweight clashes such as Arsenal vs. Real Madrid and Bayern Munich vs. Inter Milan. After eliminating Atlético, Los Blancos are among the favorites to win the trophy, trailing only bitter rivals FC Barcelona. The two could meet in the final, setting the stage for one of the most-watched matches of the decade— let’s just hope it doesn’t come down to penalties.
