Atletico president Cerezo: 'We have images that show Alvarez didn't touch the ball'
Atletico Madrid are still outraged by the disallowed goal of Julian Alvarez during the penalty shootout that decided their Champions League last-16 tie against Real Madrid. Club president Enrique Cerezo addressed the media ahead of their clash with Barcelona, making his frustration clear.
“I have images that show Julian Alvarez didn’t even touch the ball,” Cerezo stated. “Only the VAR official saw it differently. The footage UEFA sent me shows he didn’t touch it at all. I’m the first to be angry.”
Despite the controversy, Atletico have not filed an appeal. “You know how UEFA and sports institutions work—the result stands when the game ends, and nobody changes it,” he explained. “Why spend time and money trying? We are doing what we can, but the result won’t change.”
Cerezo also acknowledged the anger among fans. “The Atletico supporters are as furious as I am. We’ve suffered many injustices in our 125 years, but even if we protest, the result won’t be overturned.”
The Atletico president criticised VAR, calling it “a terrible tool for football.” He added, “It was supposed to bring fairness, but it isn’t. Instead, it leaves referees in situations where they have no control.”
