- Julián Álvarez’s Penalty Nightmare: How the ‘No Second Touch’ Rule Cost Atlético Madrid.
- Football’s Strictest Rule? How the ‘No Second Touch’ Law Changed Champions League History.
- VAR, Penalties & Controversy: The Decision That Eliminated Atlético Madrid.
During Atlético Madrid’s crucial Champions League clash against Real Madrid on March 12, 2025, a controversial moment unfolded when Julián Álvarez’s penalty was disallowed.
The decision stemmed from Law 14.1 of the IFAB Laws of the Game, which explicitly states:
“The kicker must not play the ball again until it has touched another player.”
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Álvarez slipped while taking the penalty, inadvertently making two contacts with the ball.
VAR confirmed the infraction, leading to the goal being disallowed—a moment that played a key role in Atlético’s elimination from the competition.
The ‘No Second Touch’ Rule: Origins and Significance
The “no second touch” rule has been a fundamental part of football for over a century. While penalty kicks were introduced in 1891, there was initially no restriction on a player touching the ball twice before another player intervened.
However, in 1892, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) formally established the rule to ensure fairness.
This principle is not limited to penalty kicks—it applies to various restart situations, including:
Kick-offs (Law 8)
Free kicks (Law 13)
Penalty kicks (Law 14.1)
By preventing a player from gaining an unfair advantage from their own rebound, this rule remains a crucial part of football’s regulations.
Historical Matches Where the ‘No Second Touch’ Rule Was Enforced
This rule has been applied in several high-profile matches, leading to game-changing moments:
1. Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid (March 12, 2025 – UEFA Champions League)
Julián Álvarez slipped while taking his penalty, unintentionally making two contacts with the ball.
VAR reviewed the incident and disallowed the goal, significantly contributing to Atlético Madrid’s elimination.
2. Manchester United vs. Chelsea (August 8, 2019 – UEFA Super Cup)
Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham slipped during his penalty attempt, accidentally touching the ball twice.
The goal was disallowed, and Manchester United won the penalty shootout.
3. Liverpool vs. AC Milan (May 25, 2005 – UEFA Champions League Final)
Xabi Alonso’s penalty was initially saved, but he scored on the rebound.
If Alonso had made two touches before another player, the goal would have been disallowed.
4. Fulham vs. Newcastle United (January 15, 2023 – Premier League)
Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrović slipped while taking a penalty, making two accidental touches before the ball entered the goal.
The goal was disallowed, and an indirect free-kick was awarded to Newcastle.
These cases underscore the importance of maintaining balance and composure during penalty kicks, as even the slightest misstep can have major consequences.
Manager Reactions to Atlético Madrid’s Disallowed Penalty
- Diego Simeone’s Perspective
Atlético Madrid’s head coach, Diego Simeone, voiced his frustration over the VAR decision that disallowed Julián Álvarez’s penalty.
Also Read: Real Madrid Beats Atletico on Penalties, Sets Up UCL Clash with Arsenal
He openly questioned whether the second touch had actually occurred, stating:
“The referee said when Julián got to the penalty spot, he touched the ball with his standing foot, but the ball did not move.”
Expressing further doubt, he added:
“I’ve never seen a penalty where they’ve called VAR for this. Did you see him touching the ball twice? Whoever was in the stadium and saw it, raise your hand. I don’t see anybody… next question.”
Despite the controversial decision, Simeone praised his team’s energy and determination, maintaining that Atlético fought hard despite the setback.
- Carlo Ancelotti’s Viewpoint
Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, fully supported the officials’ decision, asserting that Álvarez had indeed made two touches before the ball reached another player.
“They detected it. When we realized there was doubt, they had already confirmed it through VAR.”
He further stated:
“I saw it—I think he touches it with his left foot, a second touch.”
This divergence in opinions highlights how VAR decisions can shape high-stakes matches, with teams on the receiving end often feeling the impact the most.
Conclusion: Why the ‘No Second Touch’ Rule Matters in Modern Football
Julián Álvarez’s disallowed penalty serves as a reminder of how football’s strict regulations can change the course of a match.
The ‘no second touch’ rule exists to ensure fairness, but in moments of high pressure, it can also lead to controversial outcomes.
As seen in previous cases, even the most minor infractions can impact club success, tournament progression, and historical legacies.
For teams and players, understanding these rules is crucial to avoiding costly mistakes on football’s biggest stages.
