Real Madrid edge Atletico on penalties to reach Champions League quarter-finals
Diego Simeone’s side dominated much of the contest at the Metropolitano, but Madrid, who have never been knocked out of the competition by their city rivals, found a way to survive once again
Real Madrid fought their way into the Champions League quarter-finals with a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Atletico Madrid, after a 1-0 defeat in extra time left the tie level at 2-2 on aggregate on 12 march.
Diego Simeone's side dominated much of the contest at the Metropolitano, but Madrid, who have never been knocked out of the competition by their city rivals, found a way to survive once again. Conor Gallagher's goal after just 27 seconds gave Atletico hope of rewriting history, but Los Blancos, as they have done so often in Europe, held their nerve to take the match to penalties.
Thibaut Courtois was crucial in keeping Madrid in the game, making key saves to deny Julian Alvarez, while Vinicius Junior wasted a golden opportunity to equalise when he fired a second-half penalty over the crossbar.
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In the shootout, Alvarez appeared to score for Atletico but slipped and struck the ball twice, leading to his effort being ruled out. Marcos Llorente also missed, while Antonio Rudiger converted the decisive penalty to send Madrid through.
Atletico, determined to change their fortunes against Madrid in the Champions League after defeats in the 2014 and 2016 finals, made a blistering start. Gallagher's early strike—after just 27 seconds—became the fastest goal ever scored by an Englishman in the competition.
Rodrigo De Paul's low cross from the right found its way to Gallagher, who reacted quickest to stab the ball past Courtois, igniting the Metropolitano crowd.
Despite the early blow, Madrid gradually took control of possession, but Atletico's disciplined defensive setup frustrated Carlo Ancelotti's side. Atletico, meanwhile, remained dangerous on the counter, with Alvarez forcing a strong save from Courtois before the break.
Ancelotti introduced Eduardo Camavinga and Lucas Vazquez in search of more attacking energy, and Madrid's best move of the match came shortly after.
Vinicius, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappe combined at pace, leading to Mbappe being pulled down inside the box by Clement Lenglet. With the French forward having missed penalties earlier in the season, Ancelotti opted for Vinicius to take responsibility, but the Brazilian blasted his effort high and wide.
Angel Correa nearly won it for Atletico in the final moments, but his powerful half-volley flew over the crossbar, sending the match to extra time.
Madrid appeared the stronger side in the additional period, but fatigue took its toll on both teams, with neither able to break the deadlock.
In the penalty shootout, Mbappe and Bellingham confidently converted for Madrid, while Sorloth scored for Atletico. However, Alvarez's misfortune proved costly, as his slip led to a disallowed goal.
Oblak briefly gave Atletico hope by saving Vazquez's effort, but Llorente's penalty rattled the crossbar. Rudiger then stepped up and buried his spot-kick, sealing Madrid's place in the last eight, where they will face Arsenal.
