Tottenham were left angered by a controversial incident during their Champions League encounter, after Xavi Simons was denied a foul following a challenge from Julián Álvarez in the lead-up to Atlético Madrid’s opening goal.
Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett told Football Insider that referee Daniel Siebert made the correct decision to let play continue. Simons had been preparing to strike from the edge of the area early in the second half when he went down under pressure from Álvarez, but his appeals were dismissed.
Atlético capitalized immediately, breaking forward on the counter as Ademola Lookman set up Álvarez, who finished composedly past Guglielmo Vicario.
Although Spurs secured a 3–2 victory on the night—largely thanks to a brace from Simons—they were knocked out 7–5 on aggregate and felt the decision played a key role in the outcome. Hackett backed the officials, suggesting Simons went down too easily and stressing that contact is part of the game. He also supported VAR’s choice not to intervene, insisting the goal was valid.
However, Tottenham boss Igor Tudor disagreed, calling the unawarded foul on Simons “obvious” and influential on the match.
Despite the controversy, Spurs can draw positives from the win as they turn their attention to a crucial upcoming clash against Nottingham Forest.
