Julian Alvarez penalty ruled out by VAR in astonishing UEFA Champions League shoot-out between Atletico and Real Madrid
Updated 12/03/2025 at 23:50 GMT
The UEFA Champions League curse struck Atletico Madrid again as they bowed out to Real Madrid via an extraordinary penalty shoot-out. Julian Alvarez's spot-kick was disallowed after replays appeared to show he had kicked the ball twice after slipping during his run-up, prompting chaos and confusion in the Metropolitano Stadium. It proved pivotal as holders Real marched on to the last eight.
‘Surely not!’ – VAR rules out Alvarez penalty in shoot-out for double touch
Video credit: TNT Sports
Atletico Madrid crashed out of the UEFA Champions League to rivals Real Madrid again on Wednesday night - and this was arguably the most heartbreaking exit of all.
Conor Gallagher's goal after 27 seconds had levelled the last-16 tie at 2-2 on aggregate, with the scores remaining the same until the end of extra time.
What followed was one of the most extraordinary penalty shoot-outs in history.
After three beautiful penalties, Julian Alvarez drew Atletico level at 2-2 despite slipping during his run-up - or so he thought. But as Federico Valverde came forward to take the next spot-kick, the referee halted proceedings to receive instructions in his ear.
"Hold on, the referee is just trying to control things. Now what's he saying here?" said Sam Matterface on TNT Sports commentary.
"Is he getting a message from the VAR? There is a penalty check from the previous one ... did he double tap it?"
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/03/12/4108586-83309368-2560-1440.jpg)
‘Are you not entertained?’ – Rudiger converts winning penalty for Real against Atletico
Video credit: TNT Sports
Co-commentator Steve McManaman, a former winner of the competition with Real Madrid, chimed in: "Oh my word, please. That cannot happen on a night like this."
Replays appeared to show that Alvarez touched the ball with both feet as his standing leg slipped out from underneath him. Incredibly, the strike was chalked off.
- Exclusive: Amorim responds to Ratcliffe's Man Utd criticism - 'We're both blunt and honest'
- Can Asensio play against PSG in Champions League quarter-final after Aston Villa loan?
"Oh my word, surely not on a night like this it can be decided by that. Don't tell me that," continued McManaman.
So from 2-2, back to 2-1, then 3-1 after Valverde eventually fired home.
"The crowd don't know," continued McManaman. "The big screens are up in the corner, the fans are transfixed with what is going on the pitch. I've got Atletico Madrid fans around me who have no idea that the goal has been disallowed."
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/03/12/4108510-83307848-2560-1440.jpg)
‘Amazing start’ – Gallagher nets ‘priceless’ Atletico opener after 30 SECONDS
Video credit: TNT Sports
The drama was not over.
Jan Oblak then saved from Lucas Vazquez to shift the momentum again, only for Marcos Llorente to cannon the next penalty off the underside of the crossbar and give Antonio Rudiger the chance to win the game.
Rudiger confidently stepped up and scored, although Oblak guessed correctly and almost pushed the ball to safety. Regardless, the German wheeled away in celebration and one of the wildest episodes in Champions League history - and the rivalry between Atletico and Real - came to an end.
Incredibly, it was not the only mad penalty storyline. In the second half of normal time, Vinicius Jr blazed a horror penalty into the stands - the same end that Alvarez later had his own moment to forget.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/03/12/4108548-83308608-2560-1440.jpg)
‘He has blazed it’ – Vinicius misses penalty to send Atletico fans wild
Video credit: TNT Sports
Once everyone has calmed down, holders Real Madrid will turn their attention to a meeting with Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals.
TNT Sports will show over 500 matches from the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Conference League across the 2024-25 season. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination.
Related Topics
Thoughts?
Related Matches
Advertisement
Advertisement