Alavés managed to tie the match against Atlético de Madrid thanks to a controversial penalty converted by Lucas Boyé just before half-time. The goal, which occurred in the last play of the first half, left the Basque club's fans with doubts about the legitimacy of the action, since the VAR reviewed the play on two occasions before confirming the shot.
The incident arose after a foul that occurred when LeNormand lunged at Toni Martínez, causing both players to fall to the ground. The controversy arose when television showed images suggesting that the Alavés forward could have been the one who pushed the ball from the penalty area, which would have invalidated the action. However, the VAR ruled out that possibility and confirmed that the play was valid. Referee Quintero González, on the field, confirmed the decision after review.
With Boyé's goal, the score was tied 1-1. The goal came at a crucial moment, as Alavés were about to go into half-time with a one-point lead over Atlético. The comeback was made possible by the penalty, which was LeNormand's second of the season. The first had been scored at the Metropolitano against Villarreal, where the Castilian club's forward had also been sent off after the action.
Alavés, who had tied the score in the first half with a goal from Grimaldo, now faces the second half with the hope of maintaining the tie or even coming back. Atlético de Madrid, for their part, will have to react quickly to prevent Alavés from seeking victory in the second half. The match will continue with the same intensity, and the teams will have to decide how to handle the situation after the controversial penalty that marked the first half.