Truth behind Julian Alvarez penalty decision as VAR opts not to watch replay

However, just as Real’s next penalty taker, Federico Valverde, was preparing to step up, referee Szymon Marciniak instructed him to wait while officials reviewed Alvarez’s effort.

Marciniak then signaled the decision by pointing to his feet and crossing his arms, indicating that the penalty was invalid.

Commentators on TNT Sports quickly explained that Alvarez had been deemed to have made contact with the ball twice during his attempt.

However, with no evident VAR review, fans inside the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium were left confused about the ruling.

Later on CBS Sports, a former referee clarified that video replays were unnecessary.

In the Champions League, UEFA uses a ‘camera triangulation’ system that leverages 3D imaging and multiple angles to assess such incidents accurately.

This differs from FIFA competitions, where semi-automated VAR technology, which includes an impact sensor within the ball, is used to determine whether a player has made multiple touches.