Real Madrid qualified for the quarterfinals of this season's UEFA Champions League under extraordinary circumstances.

Atletico Madrid defeated their city rivals 1-0 at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in regular time, leveling the tie 2-2 on aggregate, thanks to Conor Gallagher's goal in under one minute.

Real Madrid eventually advanced to the last eight with a 4-2 victory in the penalty shootout. Julian Alvarez's missed spot kick became the focal point of the dramatic derby clash.

The Argentine international stepped up to take Atletico's second penalty after Alexander Sørloth had successfully converted the first. Alvarez initially appeared to score, sending a powerful shot past Thibaut Courtois despite slipping just before striking the ball.

However, referee Szymon Marciniak disallowed the goal after a VAR review revealed that Alvarez had made contact with the ball twice: once with his standing foot and again with his striking foot.

According to the International Football Association Board (IFAB) Laws of the Game, a penalty taker is prohibited from touching the ball a second time until it has been played by another player. This rule applies to both regular play and penalty shootouts, meaning Alvarez's second touch invalidated his attempt.

Why was the Julian Alvarez PK ruled out?
Why wasn’t he afforded a replay (like in the past)?

If there was ever any proof that Real Madrid OWN VAR

There you have it

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— Peter Not Drury (@PeterNotDrury) March 12, 2025