Atlético, Arbitral Victim in Europe
Atlético de Madrid, once again, finds itself harmed by arbitral decisions in European competitions. The controversial play of Julián Álvarez’s penalty against Real Madrid in the Champions League continues to generate debate.
The IFAB, two and a half months later, clarifies that in the case of two accidental touches, the penalty must be repeated. However, the speed with which the VAR and referee Marciniak made the decision was surprising, especially considering the controversy it generated among former players and experts.
This action, which cost Atlético their elimination, adds to a long list of controversial arbitral decisions in European derbies against Real Madrid. The offside goal by Ramos in Milan, a handball by the same player in the same final, and the expulsion of Arda Turan at the Bernabéu in 2015 are remembered.
The story seems to repeat itself: Atlético, once again, is the scapegoat. The Rojiblanco team will go down in the history of the Champions League for this unfair play. If Atlético faces Real Madrid in Europe again, we will have to be attentive to the next rule that the referee on duty will break to favor the eternal rival, a rule that will later be withdrawn as obsolete and ridiculous.
