Simeone Criticizes VAR Decision on Alvarez’s Disallowed Penalty

March 13, 2025

Simeone Criticizes VAR Decision on Alvarez’s Disallowed Penalty

Atletico Madrid suffered a controversial shootout loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League round of 16, which put Simeone in a sour mood.

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City rivals Real Madrid pulled off a dramatic elimination of Atletico Madrid from the Champions League round of 16, leaving Coach Diego Simeone very disappointed.

After a controversial penalty shootout, the Blancos continued the chase for their 16th title, winning 4-2 following a tense affair on Wednesday night.

The match ended in a draw on aggregate, with the two teams tied at 1-1 after extra time. Atletico started off strong, with an early goal from none other than Conor Gallagher in under 30 seconds, while Real Madrid missed a very important penalty in the 70th minute when Vinicius Junior blasted over the Atletico goal.

It was during the shootout that the real drama began and VAR’s denial of Julian Alvarez’s kick, which resulted in the ball being declared touched twice, was actually the turning point.

It was a huge talking point, with Simeone venting his frustration and disbelief during the post-match conference.

“I have never seen VAR call to review a penalty in a shootout,” he said, according to provoking post match quotes from Fabrizio Romano, while daring journalists to support him in confirming they had seen Alvarez touch the ball twice.

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“To anyone here: raise your hand if you saw that Julián touched the ball twice in the penalty. Come on! And? Ready? Nobody raises theirs. Another question.”

The call was debated, Simeone said, because many believed it to be unprecedented within a shootout.

However, Real Madrid were the victors, with captain Antonio Rudiger taking the last penalty.

This win means that Real Madrid will face Arsenal, who qualified with Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund.

Atleti’s exit, yet again, is another case of them succumbing to penalty shootouts, having won 3 out of 8 now in the Champions League.

Simeone is saddened by his side’s exit yet proud of their performance, admitting they put in a good fight against their city rivals.

Simeone would say in a UEFA.com post: “We competed in an incredible way… I am proud of my players. I am pleased because we competed in an exemplary way.”

Many questioned the VAR decision’s validity with Simeone, among others, still asking for answers.

MATCH HIGHLIGHT:

Antonio Rudiger was Real’s hero, scoring the decisive penalty in a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Atletico after an equally tense derby match ended 2-2 on aggregate, with the teams tied 1-1 after extra time.

Atletico Madrid took the lead within 30 seconds of the match, scoring through Conor Gallagher after a deflected cross by Rodrigo De Paul. Conversely, at the 70th-minute mark, Real Madrid could have gone ahead, yet they found themselves cursing Vinicius Junior, who missed the penalty kick and blasted high above the Atletico goal.

The match remained intense, and with both teams creating scoring opportunities; but it was Real Madrid who ultimately came through in the penalty shootout with Rudiger scoring the winner.