The Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid rivalry never fails to deliver chaos, controversy, and moments that make you question reality. Their Champions League clash at the Metropolitano was no different, concluding in a nail-biting penalty shootout that saw Antonio Rüdiger sealing Real Madrid’s fate while Jan Oblak mysteriously failed to save what seemed like a savable shot. However, the biggest talking point wasn’t even Rüdiger’s decisive kick—it was the bizarre VAR decision that saw Marciniak annul Julián Álvarez’s penalty for a supposed double touch.
Why Did Marciniak Annull Álvarez’s Penalty?
Imagine this: Julián Álvarez steps up, slips mid-shot, and somehow still scores a beauty that had Atlético fans leaping with joy. But hold that celebration! Referee Szymon Marciniak suddenly signals for a review, much to the confusion of both teams. The issue? The Argentine striker may have unintentionally touched the ball twice while slipping.
According to Law 14 of the IFAB rulebook, once a penalty taker strikes the ball, they cannot touch it again until another player does. If there’s a second touch before that, the penalty is nullified, and an indirect free kick is awarded. The VAR team, despite inconclusive replays, ruled that Álvarez had indeed made double contact.
Cue Atlético’s fury and a philosophical post-match statement from Clement Lenglet: “It was very weird, but rules are rules.”
Ancelotti’s Ice-Cold Game Plan
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, the man with the eternal poker face, had one clear strategy: keep it simple and avoid unnecessary risks. Despite conceding first, Madrid controlled possession, looking for smart openings rather than desperate attacks. The Italian mastermind also played his cards right in the penalty shootout, revealing post-match that the decision to let Rüdiger take the final spot-kick was based on… Endrick’s nervous face.
“We had doubts between Endrick and Rüdiger. I looked at Endrick’s face and thought: ‘Better Rüdiger.’”
Talk about world-class decision-making!
What Went Down in the Penalty Shootout?
With the penalty drama taking center stage, the rest of the shootout felt like a fever dream. Kylian Mbappé took the first spot-kick and, in classic Mbappé fashion, buried it. Vinicius Jr. was supposed to take one earlier, but after missing in regulation time, he passed up the opportunity. Fede Valverde, Camavinga, and Brahim also converted their penalties with ice in their veins. Then came Rüdiger, whose shot looked savable, yet somehow slipped through Oblak’s hands.
Atlético, still reeling from the VAR decision against Álvarez, couldn’t mentally recover. The ghost of past derbies haunted them once more.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid is never short of drama, and the latest edition added a fresh chapter with VAR’s controversial role.
- Marciniak annulled Julián Álvarez’s penalty due to an alleged double touch, despite no clear visual proof.
- Carlo Ancelotti’s strategy emphasized patience, control, and trusting his players to execute in crunch time.
- Atlético’s heartbreak continues, as they once again fail to get past Real Madrid in Europe.
- Rüdiger’s winning penalty wasn’t the most beautiful, but hey, a goal is a goal!
FAQs
His penalty was ruled out due to an alleged double touch, which is against Law 14 of IFAB rules.
Not really. The replays were inconclusive, yet VAR still informed Marciniak of a double contact, leading to the goal’s cancellation.
Carlo Ancelotti. He initially considered Endrick, but after seeing his nervous expression, went with Rüdiger instead.
He struggled, missing a penalty in regulation time and later asking to be substituted due to exhaustion.
Real Madrid march on to the quarterfinals, while Atlético Madrid will need to regroup after yet another crushing European defeat.
Conclusion
The Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid clash once again proved why this rivalry is pure box-office entertainment. From Marciniak’s bizarre VAR call to Rüdiger’s awkward-yet-effective match-winner, this game had everything.
Atlético Madrid may feel hard done by VAR, but at the end of the day, Real Madrid’s composure under pressure proved decisive. Ancelotti’s squad advances, while Atlético is left to wonder: what if?
As for the fans? We’re already waiting for the next derby!
