Real Madrid Triumphs Over Atletico in Penalty Shootout, Advances to Champions League Quarterfinals

After 180 competitive minutes where Madrid rivals Atletico and Real couldn’t resolve their differences (2-2 aggregate score after the 1-0 at ‘Metropolitano’), the extra time was goalless, leading to a penalty shootout. Ancelotti’s team prevailed with a decisive 4-2 in penalties and will face Arsenal in the quarterfinals. Following a thrilling match at the ‘Metropolitano,’ Real Madrid eliminated Atletico from the Champions League. The ‘rojiblancos’ won 1-0 but equalized the overall score (2-1 from the first leg), yet Real triumphed 4-2 on penalties to secure their spot in the next round against Arsenal. During the game, Alvaro missed his spot kick due to a double touch, while Rudiger scored the final penalty for Real Madrid, sending them to the quarters. In regular time, Vinícius also missed a penalty. The game started beautifully for Atletico fans when they took the lead just 27 seconds into the match. De Paul combined brilliantly and crossed to Gallagher, who outfoxed Real defenders and beat Courtois with a sublime finish. Real Madrid responded by playing aggressive football, circulating the ball quickly and forcing Atletico into defense. Despite some great saves by Courtois, the game eventually went to extra time and then penalties. Real showed dominance in extra time, approaching Oblak’s goal more frequently, but ultimately it was the penalty shootout that decided the winner. In the shootout, Julian Alvarez’s initially successful attempt was disallowed due to a double touch, and Yeremy’s shot hit the bar. However, Oblak saved Bathke’s effort, and Rudiger’s decisive penalty sent Real through to the next stage.