Julian Alvarez penalty ruled out by VAR in astonishing UEFA Champions League shoot-out between Atletico and Real Madrid

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.

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.

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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?"

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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.

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"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."

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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.

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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.

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