Referee Szymon Marciniak Lets Loose After Atlético: “Mbappé? This is Completely False”

Szymon Marciniak, a key figure in Real Madrid’s qualification for the quarter-finals of the Champions League, has spoken out about his controversial decision to annul Julian Alvarez’s penalty. The Polish referee also addressed rumors involving Kylian Mbappé, making a strong clarification regarding the matter.

A highly respected official on both the European and global stages, Marciniak was at the center of a surprising sequence of events during last Wednesday’s Madrid derby in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16. In a penalty shootout that would determine which team advanced to the quarter-finals, Marciniak made a decisive call by ruling out Julian Alvarez’s penalty attempt due to an alleged double contact when striking the ball.

The decision sparked controversy among fans and pundits, with some questioning its validity, while others praised the referee for his attention to detail. However, the debate did not stop at Alvarez’s penalty, as discussions quickly turned toward claims that Kylian Mbappé and other Real Madrid players were the ones who alerted the officials to the mistake.

Applying a strict interpretation of the rules that many football fans were unaware of before this moment, the 42-year-old Polish referee stood firm in his call. “To be honest, I have never encountered such a situation in my career, but the players are expected to know the rules,” Marciniak revealed in an interview with journalist Ismail Mahmoud.

His comments were supported by UEFA, which confirmed that his decision was correct. Still, rumors from France alleged that Real Madrid’s players, particularly Kylian Mbappé, played a crucial role in influencing the call by pointing out Alvarez’s double touch.

Marciniak was quick to shut down these claims. “That is completely false. I told the VAR referee that there was a 99% chance of a double contact from Alvarez, and they checked it thoroughly,” he stated firmly. His remark was intended to ensure that credit for the decision did not go to Real Madrid’s players but to the officials who upheld the game’s integrity.

This statement from Marciniak puts an end to speculations regarding Mbappé’s supposed involvement. Nevertheless, the decision has sparked widespread discussions about penalty-taking techniques and the precision required in high-stakes matches. Fans and analysts now have a renewed awareness of the importance of properly executing penalty kicks without violating the rules.

With Real Madrid securing their place in the quarter-finals, attention now shifts to their upcoming clash against Arsenal. While their victory over Atlético Madrid was dramatic, the Spanish giants must improve their overall performance if they hope to overcome Mikel Arteta’s high-flying Arsenal side.

The bookmakers currently do not favor Real Madrid as the frontrunners for this season’s Champions League title. Their journey has been turbulent, and their inconsistency in key moments has left fans worried about their chances of progressing further in the competition.

If luck was on their side against Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid cannot afford to rely on such fortune in future matches. Against a tactically disciplined team like Arsenal, they will need to dominate in open play, convert their chances, and defend resolutely to avoid another tense penalty shootout.

The first leg of the quarter-finals will be played on April 8 in England, with the return leg set for April 16 at the Santiago Bernabéu. With a semi-final spot at stake, Carlo Ancelotti’s side will need to rise to the occasion and deliver a top-level performance to keep their Champions League hopes alive.

For Marciniak, the Madrid derby showcased his ability to handle high-pressure matches, despite the controversy that followed. His firm stance on the Alvarez penalty situation has further cemented his reputation as one of Europe’s top referees.

Whether or not fans agree with his decision, one thing is certain: this moment will be remembered as a key refereeing call in Champions League history.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Real Madrid to see if they can navigate through their tough fixture list and make a serious push for the trophy. At the same time, refereeing decisions will continue to play a crucial role in determining the outcomes of these high-stakes encounters.

With the football world debating Marciniak’s decision and its implications, it is evident that the impact of his call will not fade away anytime soon. It has set a precedent for how such incidents will be judged in future games and has sparked renewed discussions about the role of VAR in modern football.

Whether Real Madrid will ultimately capitalize on their controversial but valid qualification remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Champions League drama is far from over.