It’s always painful to lose a competition on penalties. This latest Atletico Madrid exit from the Champions League has to hurt that much more. A characteristic of how this Diego Simeone team always fights, the hosts forced extra time and PKs despite entering down 1-0 from the first leg. And maybe Real Madrid went on to win anyway. For non-partisan football fans, this one must have left something of an odd feeling.
The football gods can be cruel. Fate seemingly always favors Galacticos in the Spanish capital derby in this tournament. This proved to be the case once more. Penalties worked against Diego Simeone’s side.
Massive Controversy
This isn’t an argument about whether Julián Alvarez touched the ball twice. The technology is accurate enough that this is beyond dispute. Instead, it’s a question of whether VAR should intervene like this.
It’s difficult to tell with the naked eye. Even zoomed in, it’s hard to see. And truth be told, many still cannot see the second touch. The ball nearly skied over the goal as the Atletico Madrid player fell. Some are using this as evidence of a clear infraction.
People who regularly kick the ball know that this foot angle while losing balance tends to lead to a high trajectory. However, this alone isn’t evidence of the second touch. Hitting the ball that low while falling to the ground like that will always result in a higher-than-normal kick.
Heartbreaking Moment
This further shows how minimally the left foot actually made contact. Diego Simeone asked reporters to raise their hands following the Champions League match. In truth, no one could have credibly done so after the team left on penalties.
To use VAR like this goes against the spirit of the game, even if it’s the ‘correct’ call. First of all, the slip and the slightest of second touches nearly cause the miss. Second of all, for it to be this close, where no one can reasonably agree that the left cleat makes contact, it should show a shortcoming of the review system.
VAR is supposed to lessen debate. It’s meant to get rid of post-game drama. Instead, the disagreements happen with more specific aspects, as fans are seeing unfold right now. Reviews should be initiated only based on clear and obvious errors.
Looking to see if someone is .0005 cm offside or marginally gives a second touch while stumbling from the spot is not what this should be used for.
Decision Didn’t Lead To Atletico Madrid Exit
In American sports, disputes will often go to replay review. It is important to clarify this distinction. Officials require “inconclusive evidence” when the play is close. If it’s not there, from an official’s perspective, then the original call on the field is upheld.
Of course, there are still disputes after the fact. The football community can see disagreements occur, regardless. Refereeing is hard. Sports are too dynamic. Decisions shouldn’t result from this. This is particularly true at the professional level.
Yes, the sensors may indicate that the penalty should not have counted. It is such a close decision without this enhanced aid that the goal should have stood.
Overall, Real Madrid did more throughout the match. They pushed for an equalizer during the 90 Champions League minutes better. Their play probably would have found a way to go through anyway. The method by which football fans saw this Atletico Madrid exit should not sit well, though.
