In a classic Madrid derby filled with drama, intensity, and heartbreak, Real Madrid secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals after a nerve-wracking penalty shootout against Atletico Madrid.
Despite suffering a 1-0 defeat in extra time, Los Blancos triumphed 4-2 on penalties, extending their dominance over their city rivals in European competition.
Diego Simeone’s men came out with fire in their eyes at the Metropolitano, determined to rewrite their painful European history against Real Madrid. Their dream start came within seconds of kickoff when Rodrigo De Paul delivered a low cross from the right.
Raul Asencio failed to clear, and Conor Gallagher, the former Chelsea midfielder, lunged in to beat Thibaut Courtois from close range. The goal, coming within 27 seconds, brought the aggregate score level at 2-2 and sent the home crowd into a frenzy.
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Atletico, however, chose a cautious approach, sitting deep and absorbing pressure while looking to hit on the counter. They nearly doubled their lead when Julian Alvarez forced Courtois into a strong save, and the Belgian shot-stopper thwarted the Argentine again before halftime.
With Real Madrid struggling to break through Atletico’s disciplined defense, Carlo Ancelotti turned to his bench, bringing on Eduardo Camavinga and Lucas Vazquez to inject fresh energy. The tactical change paid off as Madrid found their rhythm, leading to their best attacking move of the game.
The star trio of Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappe combined brilliantly on a lightning-fast counterattack. Mbappe outpaced Jose Gimenez and was brought down inside the box by Clement Lenglet, earning Madrid a golden opportunity to equalize from the penalty spot.
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Despite recent struggles from the spot, Ancelotti had designated Vinicius as the primary penalty taker. However, the Brazilian forward succumbed to the immense pressure, blasting his effort high over the crossbar, keeping Atletico’s hopes alive.
Both teams fought fiercely through extra time, pushing their limits in a battle of endurance and resilience. Atletico’s Angel Correa came close to sealing victory in the final moments but fired his half-volley over the bar, forcing the game to penalties.
Mbappe confidently slotted in Madrid’s first spot-kick, followed by Bellingham. Alexander Sorloth converted for Atletico, but disaster struck when Julian Alvarez slipped while taking his penalty, unintentionally striking the ball twice. The goal was disallowed after a VAR review, dealing a significant blow to Atletico’s chances.
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Oblak briefly reignited Atletico’s hopes by saving Vazquez’s weak attempt, but Marcos Llorente’s miss off the crossbar handed the advantage back to Madrid.
Antonio Rudiger then stepped up for the decisive moment. Oblak guessed correctly but couldn’t keep the German defender’s shot out, sealing Real Madrid’s dramatic passage into the last eight.
For Atletico, it was another heartbreaking chapter in their European history against Real Madrid. Having been knocked out by their rivals in the 2014 and 2016 finals, the 2017 semi-finals, and every other encounter in the competition, their quest to overturn the narrative remained unfulfilled.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid once again demonstrated their unparalleled ability to survive and thrive under pressure. With their quarter-final spot secured, they now turn their focus to a mouthwatering clash against Arsenal in the next round.
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