The Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg provided a thrilling spectacle as Real Madrid secured their spot in the quarterfinals after a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory. A tense 2-2 aggregate score led to spot-kicks, where Antonio Rüdiger buried the decisive penalty after a controversial moment involving Julián Álvarez.
With this victory, Los Blancos kept their hopes alive for a record-extending 16th Champions League title and will now face Arsenal in the quarterfinals. Atlético Madrid, despite their defensive resilience, bowed out in heartbreaking fashion at the Wanda Metropolitano.
First Half: Atlético Madrid Strike Early
The match started at an electrifying pace, with Conor Gallagher making history as the first Englishman to score in a Madrid derby. His goal—just 27 seconds into the game—gave Atlético a dream start, leveling the tie on aggregate after Real Madrid’s 2-1 first-leg win.
From there, Diego Simeone’s side executed a well-structured defensive plan, frustrating Madrid’s attack and limiting their chances. Julián Álvarez proved to be Atlético’s biggest threat, forcing multiple saves from Thibaut Courtois, but the first half ended with Atlético holding onto their slender advantage.
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Second Half: Real Madrid Fight Back
Real Madrid struggled to create clear-cut opportunities until Kylian Mbappé finally broke through Atlético’s defense. The Frenchman was fouled inside the box by Clément Lenglet, winning a crucial penalty with just 20 minutes left.
However, Vinícius Júnior, who had been flawless from the spot in previous attempts, skied his penalty well over the bar, leaving Real Madrid fans in disbelief. Despite their relentless pressure, Atlético’s disciplined defense ensured the match remained locked at 1-0 heading into extra time.
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Extra Time: No Winner, Controversial Shootout Drama Ensues
With neither team able to find a breakthrough in extra time, the match headed into a nail-biting penalty shootout.
- First three penalties converted: Both teams successfully scored their first three attempts.
- Julián Álvarez’s double-touch controversy: The former Manchester City star stepped up for Atlético but slipped while taking his shot. The ball still found the net, but after VAR review, it was ruled out due to Álvarez accidentally touching the ball twice.
- Fede Valverde and Antonio Rüdiger seal the win: After Marcos Llorente missed his penalty, Rüdiger converted the final spot-kick, sending Real Madrid through with a 4-2 victory.
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Player Ratings: Standout Performances
- Thibaut Courtois (8.5/10): Made crucial saves, including key stops against Julián Álvarez.
- Fede Valverde (8.5/10): Dominated midfield and looked like he could play another 90 minutes.
- Raúl Asencio (8.5/10): Defensively solid, producing a season-defining tackle to deny Atlético a counterattack.
- Antonio Rüdiger (7/10): Not at his sharpest due to injury but held firm in key moments and converted the winning penalty.
- Luka Modrić (7/10): Orchestrated Madrid’s attack for most of the game before fading late.
- Jude Bellingham (8.5/10): Became a driving force in extra time, terrorizing Atlético’s defense with his runs.
- Vinícius Júnior (5.5/10): Struggled to make an impact and missed a crucial penalty in the second half.
- Kylian Mbappé (6/10): Had a frustrating night but won the penalty that could have turned the game.
What’s Next? Real Madrid Face Arsenal in Quarterfinals
With this dramatic victory, Real Madrid now set their sights on Arsenal in the Champions League quarterfinals. Atlético Madrid, on the other hand, will shift focus back to LaLiga, where they will aim for a top-four finish.
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