The match between Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid in the Champions League left one of the tournament’s most debated plays: the disallowed penalty by Julián Álvarez. In the decisive shootout, the Argentine forward converted his shot, but the play was reviewed by VAR and later invalidated by referee Szymon Marciniak. 

A broadcast by TNT Sports Brasil showed an exclusive angle suggesting that Álvarez may have grazed the ball with his left foot before striking it with his right. The footage shows his supporting foot appearing to shift slightly before the shot, fueling controversy over whether an illegal second contact actually occurred.

The Penalty Controversy: Did Julián Álvarez Touch the Ball Twice?

While Atlético de Madrid protested the decision, coach Diego Simeone expressed his disbelief in the post-match press conference: "Who saw him touch it twice? Raise your hand... No one is raising it." On the other hand, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted that after watching the replay, he noticed a possible second touch: "It looks like he hits it with his left foot."

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, a key player in Real Madrid's qualification, also shared his thoughts on the play: "I felt that Julián Álvarez had touched it twice, and I told the referee." His observation played a crucial role in having the play reviewed and the goal disallowed.

Despite the controversy, Real Madrid won the penalty shootout and advanced to the quarterfinals, eliminating Atlético de Madrid from the tournament. However, the debate over whether there was truly a double contact remains open, with divided opinions among players, coaches, and fans.