Real Madrid secured a place in the Champions League quarterfinals after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over city rivals Atletico Madrid. The win keeps alive their ambitions of claiming a record-extending 16th European crown, setting up a clash with Arsenal in the next round.
After a closely contested second leg, the tie remained level on aggregate, with Conor Gallagher scoring just 27 seconds into the match to cancel out Real’s 2-1 advantage from the first leg. Despite chances for both teams, neither could find a decisive goal, forcing the game into extra time and eventually penalties.
The shootout provided major drama when Atletico’s Julian Alvarez thought he had converted his spot-kick, only for VAR to overturn it. The forward had slipped as he struck the ball, inadvertently making contact twice before it found the net. With the attempt ruled out, Real took control. Fede Valverde extended their lead to 3-1, and although Jan Oblak denied Lucas Vazquez to give Atletico hope, Marcos Llorente’s miss left them on the brink. Antonio Rudiger then converted the decisive penalty, sealing a 4-2 shootout triumph for Real Madrid.
Atletico’s resilience ends in heartbreak
Atletico Madrid will be left frustrated after a strong defensive display that kept Real’s attacking threats at bay for much of the contest. Their night had started perfectly when Gallagher made history as the first English player to score in a Madrid derby, finishing off a swift counterattack down the right.
Following that early breakthrough, Atletico remained disciplined, limiting Real to few clear-cut opportunities. The home side, who had not lost a knockout tie on their own turf since 1997, looked on course for a famous result. Alvarez, a constant threat, forced three impressive saves from Thibaut Courtois, but Atletico struggled to extend their lead.
Real survive despite missed opportunities
While Atletico defended resolutely, Real Madrid were left to rue missed opportunities, particularly when Kylian Mbappe won a penalty after being fouled by Clement Lenglet. Vinicius Jr, previously flawless from the spot with seven successful penalties, blazed his effort over the crossbar, squandering a golden chance to regain the lead.
With no goals in extra time, the match was decided from 12 yards, where Real once again proved their nerve. Having previously triumphed over Atletico in the 2014 and 2016 Champions League finals, they maintained their perfect record in penalty shootouts against their fierce rivals to book their place in the last eight.
