In the focus of the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, the Derby between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid was marked by a tense penalty shoot-out. In a rare scene in the life-and-death clash, Alvaro Alvarez’s penalty was disallowed for violation, triggering a violent emotional change from ecstasy to disappointment among Atletico fans at the scene.
Real Madrid won the first leg 2-1, the second leg at the Metropolitan stadium, Gallagher opened the scoring just 27 seconds to level the aggregate score 2-2, the two sides back to the same starting line. Atletico fans made up the vast majority of the 69,000 spectators who endured 120 minutes of intense fighting to witness the brutal penalty shootout.
In the shootout, both sides took penalties in the first two rounds, and the score was tight. However, when it was Alvarez’s turn to take the penalty, there was an unexpected situation. The VAR (video assistant referee) intervened to indicate that there was a problem, and the referee confirmed that Alvarez had touched the ball twice during the penalty, which was against the law. According to FIFA rules, after a penalty is awarded, if the referee touches the ball again before another player touches the ball, an indirect free kick shall be awarded. In a shootout, this meant that Alvarez’s penalty was simply disallowed and there was no chance of a heavy penalty.
The decision let the scene of the 60,000 Atletico fans from the ecstasy of the moment fall into disappointment. Originally they expected Alvarez’s goal for the team to bring victory, but the reality is cruel. Alvarez himself did not celebrate the penalty, as he was also aware of the possible violation. He also did not protest when the penalty was cancelled.
ESPN provided “proof” by watching it frame by frame: Alvarez did touch the ball with his left foot while taking a penalty kick with his right foot. This detail is sensed by semi-automatic technology, which helps the referee make the right call. The accident happened when Alvarez slipped and fell on his run-up, causing both feet to touch the ball.
CBS Sports also confirmed the correctness of the call. At this moment, high technology made the difference between Real Madrid’s promotion and Atletico’s elimination. Although this is a difficult result for Atletico fans to accept, the rules are the rules and the referee’s decisions must be respected. The Champions League Derby ended with Real Madrid’s victory, leaving an unforgettable scene for the fans.
