Real Madrid are through to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over city rivals Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano on Wednesday night.
Los Blancos entered the second leg with a 2-1 advantage from the first leg, but their lead evaporated almost immediately as Atletico’s Conor Gallagher struck inside the first 30 seconds. That set the stage for a tense, hard-fought contest that needed extra time and penalties to separate the two sides.
Ultimately, a chaotic shootout decided the fate of the Madrid derby, with Atletico suffering heartbreak after Julian Alvarez’s penalty was disallowed by VAR for a double touch, allowing Antonio Rüdiger to bury the decisive spot-kick for Real.
Atletico’s Dream Start, Madrid’s Missed Chances
Diego Simeone’s men couldn’t have asked for a better start. The clock had barely hit 30 seconds when Giuliano Simeone flicked a pass into Gallagher’s path, and the Chelsea loanee made no mistake from six yards out, rifling the ball past Thibaut Courtois
The early goal electrified the home crowd and put Madrid on the back foot, forcing Carlo Ancelotti’s side to chase the game. Los Blancos dominated possession and created several chances, but their finishing let them down, with Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo struggling to break down Atletico’s defensive wall.
Then came a golden opportunity for Madrid in the second half when Vinicius won a penalty. It was the moment to restore control, but the Brazilian skied his effort well over the bar, letting Atletico off the hook and ensuring the game stayed level on aggregate at 2-2.
Extra Time and a Controversial Penalty Shootout
Neither side could find a breakthrough in extra time, setting up a nerve-wracking shootout.
The drama peaked when Julian Alvarez converted Atletico’s second penalty, but Madrid’s players immediately protested. After a long VAR review, officials ruled that Alvarez had accidentally touched the ball twice while slipping, leading to the goal being disallowed.
With Atletico shaken, Madrid capitalised, converting all their penalties while Marcos Llorente missed for Simeone’s side. Rüdiger stepped up and coolly slotted home the winner, sending Real Madrid into the last eight and sparking wild celebrations from the away fans.
What’s Next for Madrid & Atletico?
With the win, Real Madrid advance to the Champions League quarterfinals, where they will face Arsenal in what promises to be an electrifying clash. Ancelotti’s side remains one of the favourites for the trophy, and with Jude Bellingham, Vinicius, and Rodrygo in their ranks, they will fancy their chances of going all the way.
For Atletico, it’s another painful European exit, and Simeone will be left wondering what could have been. Despite their resilience, they lacked the killer instinct needed to put Madrid away, and their wait for Champions League glory continues.
Fan Reactions and Key Takeaways
- Madrid fans: “We live for nights like this! The Champions League is our home! HALA MADRID! 🤍🏆”
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- “How does this always happen to us? VAR ruins football. 😡”
- Neutrals: “That Julian Alvarez penalty drama is one of the wildest VAR calls ever! Football never fails to deliver.”
Madrid march on, Atletico suffer heartbreak, and the Champions League keeps delivering epic drama. Who’s ready for the quarterfinals? 🎭🔥
