Los Blancos win on penalties to set up Arsenal showdown

Real Madrid secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Atletico Madrid.

Despite losing 1-0 on the night at the Metropolitano, Los Blancos prevailed 4-2 on penalties after the tie finished 2-2 on aggregate.

Atletico Madrid got off to a dream start, stunning Real Madrid with a goal inside the first minute. Conor Gallagher latched onto Rodrigo De Paul’s low cross after a clever dummy from Giuliano Simeone, sliding the ball past Thibaut Courtois to give Atletico the lead.

The hosts dominated much of the first half, creating several chances through Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann. Courtois was kept busy, making crucial saves in the 25th and 38th minutes to deny Alvarez and keep Madrid in the tie.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men struggled in attack. Vinicius Junior was tightly marked, while Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo failed to make an impact. The visitors’ only significant chance came from Jude Bellingham, whose effort was blocked by Jose Gimenez.

Madrid entered the break trailing 1-0 on the night and 2-2 on aggregate, with plenty work to do in the second half.

Real Madrid emerged from the break with more urgency, but Atletico’s disciplined defensive shape continued to frustrate them.

🙌 INTO THE QUARTER-FINALS!
🏁 @AtletiEnglish (2) 1-0 (4) @RealMadridEn (Agg. 2-2)
⚽ 1′ Gallagher pic.twitter.com/ygE4lk4Rhk

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) March 12, 2025

The biggest moment of the half arrived in the 70th minute when Madrid were awarded a penalty after Clement Lenglet fouled Mbappe in the box.

However, Vinicius squandered the golden opportunity, sending his spot-kick over the crossbar, much to the delight of the home fans.

Atletico responded by forcing Courtois into action once again as he denied efforts from Griezmann and Alvarez. With neither side able to find a winner in normal time, the game went into extra-time.

Extra time saw both sides take a cautious approach, with each aware of the high stakes. Madrid saw more of the ball, but their final product continued to lack any real bite.

Valverde had a brilliant chance 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 to penalties, rarely pushing forward in the latter stages.

The penalty shootout began with Mbappe  dispatching his spot-kick to give Madrid the early lead. Alexander Sorloth responded in style for Atletico, before Bellingham and Valverde put Madrid ahead 3-1.

The drama peaked when Julian Alvarez’s penalty was ruled out due to a double touch after he slipped, handing Madrid a crucial advantage.

Angel Correa kept Atleti’s hopes alive with a well-taken spot-kick and Lucas Vazquez missed Madrid’s fourth attempt, offering the hosts a lifeline.

However, Marcos Llorente’s crucial miss – hitting the underside of the bar -left Rudiger with the chance to win it for Madrid. The German’s effort just sneaked past Jan Oblak to seal the win.