Real Madrid triumphed over city rivals Atletico Madrid in a dramatic penalty shootout, winning 4-2 to secure their spot in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals on Wednesday. The second leg at the Metropolitano Stadium ended 1-0 to Atletico, leveling the aggregate score at 2-2 after extra time.
Atletico took an early lead when midfielder Conor Gallagher found the net, igniting hopes among the home fans. Real Madrid had a golden opportunity to equalize when they were awarded a late second-half penalty, but Vinicius Jr. missed from the spot.
The match’s most controversial moment came during the penalty shootout. Atletico forward Julian Alvarez had his spot kick ruled out after he slipped, accidentally touching the ball twice before it crossed the line. This rare mishap left the score at 2-1 in favor of Real during the shootout.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said, “I sensed that Alvarez touched the ball twice and told the referee. We didn’t play our best game but we got through, and that’s the important thing.”
After Atletico’s goalkeeper Jan Oblak saved a penalty from Lucas Vazquez, Real’s Marcos Llorente coolly converted his shot. It was Antonio Rüdiger who sealed the victory for the defending champions, keeping their quest for a record-extending 16th European Cup alive.
Arsenal Ease Through as PSV Show Resilience
Arsenal advanced comfortably to the quarterfinals with a 9-3 aggregate win over PSV Eindhoven, despite a spirited 2-2 draw in the second leg at home. An early goal from Oleksandr Zinchenko put Arsenal ahead, but PSV’s Ivan Perisic responded with a sublime finish to level the score.
The Gunners regained the lead when Declan Rice headed in a cross from Raheem Sterling. However, PSV’s Couhaib Driouech chipped in a second-half equalizer, showcasing the Dutch side’s determination and earning them a measure of pride despite the aggregate loss.
Dortmund’s Comeback Sends Them Through
Borussia Dortmund fought back to defeat Lille 2-1 in France, securing a 3-2 aggregate victory and reaching the last eight for the second consecutive year. After an early goal from Lille’s Jonathan David, Dortmund’s Emre Can equalized from the penalty spot. Maximilian Beier then netted the winner, propelling the German side into the quarterfinals.
Lille’s elimination was a bitter end to a promising campaign that had seen them achieve impressive victories in the league phase.
Aston Villa Cruise Past Brugge
Aston Villa comfortably defeated Brugge 3-0, completing a 6-1 aggregate win to book their place in the quarterfinals. Marco Asensio, on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, was the star of the night with a quick-fire double after coming on as a substitute. “Very happy for the victory,” Asensio remarked. “We want more. Now we have a little break and to think about the upcoming objectives.”
Quarterfinal Clashes Set
The stage is now set for the quarterfinals, featuring exciting matchups:
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Aston Villa
Arsenal vs. Real Madrid
Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund
Bayern Munich vs. Inter Milan
Fans around the world eagerly await the next round as the competition heats up.
