Julián Álvarez Speaks Out on Controversial Champions League Penalty
Julián Álvarez, Atlético de Madrid forward, has finally broken his silence on the controversial penalty disallowed by VAR in the Champions League round of 16 second leg against Real Madrid. The decision, which penalized Atlético, generated worldwide outrage and prompted a formal protest from the club to UEFA.
Following Argentina’s victory over Uruguay, where he started, Álvarez told ESPN that he has watched the penalty replay countless times and does not feel that he touched the ball twice. According to him, even if there had been a double touch, the contact would have been minimal and difficult to perceive.
Álvarez also expressed his opinion on the rule, pointing out that it should be clearer, as he did not try to gain any advantage. He compared the situation to a goalkeeper moving forward, which causes the penalty to be retaken.
The forward lamented what happened, especially since Atlético de Madrid was affected by such a questionable decision. In the locker room, immediately after the match, Álvarez had already assured his teammates that he did not feel that he had touched the ball twice. This incident did not prevent Álvarez from leading the Argentine national team in their victory against Uruguay, where he faced his Atlético teammate, José María Giménez.
