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Will the Double-Touch Penalty Rule Be Revised? Julian Alvarez’s Controversial Spot Kick Sparks Debate

A remarkable penalty taken by Julian Alvarez has set off heated discussions over the “double-touch” rule in the UEFA Champions League, following Atletico Madrid’s tense shootout loss to Real Madrid by four goals to two at the Wanda Metropolitano. In a dramatic moment, Alvarez appeared to slip, allowing his left foot to graze the ball just before he struck it with his right. Although he successfully directed the ball into the net, VAR intervened and disallowed the goal, ruling it a double contact under current regulations.

The reversal took over a minute from the referee’s initial whistle to the final verdict, leaving fans and players alike in disbelief. Many pointed out that Alvarez, who boasted a strong penalty conversion record in domestic competitions before this match, clearly had no intention of touching the ball twice. Despite his protest and the confusion on the pitch, the referee confirmed the ruling under Law 14.1 of the Laws of the Game, which states the kicker may not play the ball again until it has touched another player or ceased moving.

UEFA later released a video clarifying the minimal contact, prompting some supporters to question whether such incidental touches should invalidate a goal. UEFA also confirmed it will open talks with FIFA and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to reconsider whether the rule needs updating in scenarios involving accidental or marginal second contacts. This development arrives amid intense scrutiny of penalty procedures, with Real Madrid advancing to a quarter-final showdown against Arsenal.

Atletico Madrid’s long-serving boss, Diego Simeone, acknowledged that he had seen multiple camera angles and believed the ball did not visibly change direction before Alvarez’s primary strike. Meanwhile, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois asserted that he noticed the double-touch as it happened, relaying this to the referee. Fellow Real players also signaled they believed Alvarez had impacted the ball with both feet.

With Real Madrid aiming to add yet another Champions League title to their storied history, and Atletico left contemplating a heart-breaking exit, attention now shifts to potential amendments in the penalty laws. The debate rages on whether unintentional double-touches, especially under slippery or precarious conditions, should warrant disallowing a goal.

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