World press reacts to Real Madrid’s controversial penalty win
Julián Álvarez’s controversially disallowed penalty kick has generated plenty of talk in the media.
Images of Julián Álvarez’s penalty in the Champions League against Real Madrid have gone viral, sparking widespread debate. The Argentine forward’s subtle double touch of the ball after slipping was the reason why referee Szymon Marciniak, following a VAR review, decided to disallow the goal during the shootout.
Despite multiple replays of the controversial incident, opinions remain divided worldwide, fueling ongoing controversy over the refereeing decision.
In Argentina, the skepticism is palpable—particularly in the sports newspaper Diario Olé. The publication’s print edition featured a bold headline, “Hands up”, accompanied by an analysis that questions the decision. They recount an incident during the post-match press conference when Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone challenged anyone who had seen Álvarez’s double touch to raise their hand—only to find no one did.
The newspaper’s digital edition also casts doubt, asserting: “The images don’t show it clearly... That decision completely changed the shootout, not only because it broke the tie but also because it deeply frustrated all of Atlético’s players. What’s striking is that none of the replays conclusively show that there was indeed a double touch.”
In contrast, French outlet L'Équipe takes a more neutral stance, citing Article 10 of the IFAB, which governs penalty shootouts. Their report merely notes: “Everything changed when Julián Álvarez, Atlético’s second striker, managed to shoot, but VAR ruled it out for double contact.” They also highlight Kylian Mbappé’s role in the aftermath, noting that he immediately alerted the fourth official to Álvarez’s involuntary gesture.
The controversy has also reached England, where The Daily Mail labeled the decision as “controversial” and described the confusion inside the stadium: “No one seemed aware that Álvarez’s goal had been disallowed, and the television coverage did not make it clear.” The outlet also noted the use of semi-automated VAR technology, which includes an impact sensor on the ball to detect contact. However, refereeing expert Iturralde González, speaking to AS and SER, clarified that this technology is not yet implemented in the Champions League.
Meanwhile, Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport has called for greater transparency, insisting that doubts around the incident must be addressed: “We need a video that can erase all doubt.” They criticize UEFA for not providing decisive footage, pointing out that despite extensive slow-motion analysis, no conclusive evidence has been presented to confirm the double touch.
In summary, the controversial decision from the refereeing team in yesterday’s match has sparked global skepticism—not only within Atlético de Madrid but also among football fans worldwide. As debates continue, the responsibility falls on UEFA to provide clarity and put an end to the speculation—if they indeed possess the evidence to do so.
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