Sports Correspondent

A contentious decision marred the Champions League last-16 shootout between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, as Julian Alvarez’s successful penalty kick was ruled out.

Alvarez, Atletico’s second penalty taker, slipped while taking his shot but still managed to power the ball past Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibault Courtois.

However, a VAR review deemed the goal invalid, citing that Alvarez had touched the ball with both feet as he fell.

The decision, which took one minute and eight seconds to be made, has sparked debate over whether Alvarez had indeed broken the rules.

The incident has added to the controversy surrounding VAR decisions in high-stakes matches.