Why Julian Alvarez penalty was ruled out in chaotic Atletico vs Real Madrid shoot-out | Football

Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez sensationally saw his penalty ruled out during the shootout against Real Madrid – a moment that helped Los Blancos reach the Champions League quarter-finals.

The Spanish rivals could not be separated across two legs and extra-time with their last 16 showdown heading to penalties on Wednesday night.

Kylian Mbappe, Alexander Sorloth and Jude Bellingham expertly converted the first three penalties with Alvarez appearing to follow suit, slamming his into the roof of the net.

The former Manchester City star slipped as he connected with the ball. While it initially stood, the incident was quickly reviewed by VAR.

Alvarez was judged to have touched the ball twice, initially with his standing left leg as he slipped and then with his right as he struck his shot.

The ‘double touch’ was pointed out by Real players on the touchline. Fifa rules state a penalty must be taken with a single touch, meaning Alvarez’s strike could not be allowed to stand.

His penalty was ruled out with the shootout continuing with Federico Valverde stepping up to give Real a 3-1 lead.

Thousands of Atletico fans in attendance were not aware Alvarez’s penalty had been ruled out and believed the shootout was still level as Angel Correra netted his for the home side.

Real’s Lucas Vazquez missed his penalty next but Atletico could not take advantage with Marcos Llorente blasting his off the cross bar.

Antonio Rudiger stepped up to score the penalty that sent Real through to meet Arsenal in the quarter-finals, with his meek effort creeping over the line.

Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was among those convinced Alvarez had touched the ball twice, immediately informing match official Szymon Marciniak.

‘I felt Julián had touched the ball twice and I told the referee,’ Courtois said.

‘They were a bit unlucky. We didn’t play our best game today, but we won, and that’s the important thing.’

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