Simeone outraged by VAR debacle: I've never experienced anything like that!

Simeone outraged by VAR debacle: I've never experienced anything like that!

Football can be so cruel! Atlético Madrid suffered a dramatic exit from the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night as they lost on penalties to city rivals Real Madrid. After a 1-0 win in extra time thanks to a Conor Gallagher goal, Atlético failed to continue their winning run and finished 2-2 on aggregate, leading to a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. In this one, Argentine striker Julián Álvarez's attempt to convert the second penalty was declared invalid by the VAR due to an alleged violation, which infuriated the players and coach Diego Simeone laola1.at reported.

In the press conference after the game, Simeone expressed his displeasure with the VAR decision. “I've never experienced anything like that,” he said, questioning whether it could really be seen that Álvarez had actually touched the ball twice. Meanwhile, central defender Clement Lenglet was also surprised by this rule. Real Madrid, who sent the shooters Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde and Antonio Rüdiger into the race, sees things differently. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois accused Atlético of celebrating its own victimhood and said: "It's clear that UEFA sees it that way," as he called for clarity on how ESPN reported.

Dispute over VAR decision

The circumstances surrounding Álvarez's penalty are intolerable for Simeone. He does not see the ball moving, although the referee detected contact with the player's standing leg. “I am proud of my players and happy because we presented ourselves in an exemplary manner,” emphasized the coach, while at the same time classifying the VAR decision as debatable. Subsequently, Real coach Carlo Ancelotti also explained that it was “a lottery”, although one could understand the excitement surrounding the VAR. Atlético's Champions League journey has come to an abrupt end - with setbacks, anger and questions that will resonate for a long time.