Can VAR check penalty shootouts?

Here is a response to whether the controversial penalty shootout VAR check in the Atletico vs Real Madrid fixture is allowed in football.

Following the controversial decision that surrounded the VAR check on Julian Alvarez’s penalty in the Champions League round fo 16 fixture, Atletico vs Real Madrid questions on if this is normal during shootouts have been raised.

What happened in the Atletico vs Real Madrid UCL fixture?

Atletico Madrid experienced another heartbreaking UEFA Champions League exit against their fierce rivals Real Madrid, who triumphed in a penalty shootout at the Metropolitano Stadium.

Conor Gallagher scored in the opening minute, securing Atleti a 1-0 victory on the night. However, with the aggregate score tied at 2-2, the Round of 16 showdown was decided by spot-kicks after an intense battle at extra time.

Why was Julian Alvarez’s penalty for Atletico Madrid disallowed?

Atletico vs Real Madrid Penalty Check
Julian Alvarez | Photo Credit: Sky Sports

After successful penalties by Kylian Mbappé, Alexander Sorloth, and Jude Bellingham, Julián Álvarez stepped up for Atlético, trailing 2-1. The Argentine striker slipped as he struck the ball but still managed to send it powerfully into the top corner of the net. Initially, it seemed he had avoided disaster despite the slip. However, referee Szymon Marciniak indicated that a VAR review was underway, and Álvarez’s goal was subsequently disallowed.

The review revealed that his slip caused him to make contact with the ball twice, violating the rule that a penalty must be executed with a single touch. Atlético briefly levelled the contest when Jan Oblak saved Lucas Vázquez’s attempt, but Marcos Llorente’s strike hit the crossbar. Oblak was unable to stop Antonio Rüdiger’s decisive penalty, which sealed a 4-2 victory for Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid.

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