Real Madrid secured their place in the Champions League quarter -finals after a dramatic penalty victory over Atletico Madrid.
Despite losing 1-0 at night at Metropolitano, Los Blancos prevailed 4-2 for sanctions after the tie was completed 2-2.
Atletico Madrid started in a dream, stunning Real Madrid with a goal in the first minute. Conor Gallagher leaned on to the low cross of Rodrigo de Paul after a smart dummy by Giuliano Simeone, sliding the ball beyond Thibaut Courtois to give Atletico the lead.
The hosts dominated much of the first semester, creating a lot of chances through Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann. Courtois was kept busy, making critical savings in the 25th and 38th minute to deny Alvarez and keep Madrid in the tie.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men fought in an attack. Vinicius Junior was tight, while Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo failed to influence. The only important opportunity of the visitors came from Jude Bellingham, whose effort was blocked by Jose Gimenez.
Madrid entered the break 1-0 at night and 2-2 in total, with plenty of work to do the second half.
Real Madrid came from the break with a greater urgent need, but Atletico’s disciplined defense continued to prevent them.
🙌 In the quarter -finals!
🏁 @Atletienglish (2) 1-0 (4) @Realmadriden (Agg. 2-2)
⚽ 1 ‘Gallagher pic.twitter.com/yge4lk4rhk– Real Madrid CF 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) 12 March 2025
Half of the half reached the 70th minute when Madrid was awarded a penalty after Clement Lenglet who tightened the MBappe in the box.
However, Vinicius wasted the golden opportunity, sending his spot-to-crossbar, too much for enjoying the fans of the house.
Atletico responded by forcing Courtois once again as he refused the efforts by Griezmann and Alvarez. Without any side capable of finding a winner at a regular time, the game went in extra time.
The extra time saw both sides adopting a careful approach, with every consciousness of high bet. Madrid saw more than the ball, but their final product continued to lack any real bite.
Valverde had a brilliant opportunity in the 99th minute, only to send his effort wide, while Angel Correa saw a dangerous cross blocked by Antonio Rudiger.
Simeone’s side focused on taking the game in sanctions, rarely pressing forward in the last stages.
The penalty kick started with the MBAPPE sending his spot-kick to give Madrid the premature lead. Alexander Sorloth responded in a style for Atletico, before Bellingham and Valverde put Madrid 3-1.
The drama culminated in when Julian Alvarez’s sentence was excluded due to a double tap after slipping, providing Madrid a crucial advantage.
Angel Correa maintained Atleti’s hopes alive with a well-spiral spot-kick and Lucas Vazquez lost Madrid’s fourth attempt, offering the hosts a salvation.
However, Marcos Llorente’s critical gap -by crushing the underside of the bar -rudiger on the occasion of winning it for Madrid. Germany’s attempt has just slipped Jan Oblak to seal the victory.
2025-03-13 02:00:00
