Real Madrid booked their place in the Champions League quarter-finals after a thrilling penalty shoot-out victory over their city rivals Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night. Having prevailed in a tense, controversial Madrid derby, Los Blancos will now face Arsenal in the last eight of the competition.
Record-Breaking Goal Stuns Real Madrid
Atletico could hardly have wished for a better opening, Conor Gallagher putting Chelsea in front 27 seconds in, the quickest an Englishman has ever scored in the Champions League. The ex-Chelse
a man netted after unselfish play from Rodrigo De Paul, scoring to bring the Wanda Metropolitano to its feet.
Real Madrid failed to find a response and soon enough they found themselves frustrated by an astute Atletico rearguard. But they were gifted a chance to level in the 70th minute when Kylian Mbappe was tripped in the penalty area by Clement Lenglet. But in a stunning instant, Vinicius Junior skied his spot-kick over the top and wide — his first-ever penalty miss for Madrid.
The shootout provided great drama as well, with Julian Alvarez having his effort negated by VAR for a rare double touch — something that was sure to be contentious.
Antonio Rudiger could have won it for Madrid, after Marcos Llorente hit the crossbar for Atletico. The German defender kept his composure, firing the penalty past Jan Oblak to book Real Madrid’s place in the quarter-finals.
Atletico’s Misfortune, Real Madrid’s sweet Luck
Atletico can feel aggrieved as they were the better team, perhaps overall, across the two legs. They had 17 shots to Madrid’s 10 and seven on target to Madrid’s three. But Real Madrid found a way again — the way they so often do in this competition.
It was not a vintage display from Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Vinicius, Mbappe and Jude Bellingham were all off the pace on the night, and the overall quality on display will not scare any of their future foes. Arsenal, their next test, may well feel they have a shot against this Madrid outfit.
Man of the Match : Jose Gimenez
Atletico’s defensive colossus Jose Gimenez was superb in defeat. The Uruguayan snuffed Mbappe out and put in a commanding display, winning important duels and completing 89% of his passes. He didn’t deserve such a lame exit from the competition.
What’s Next?
Both teams will return to La Liga action now. Real, second in the league, travel to Villarreal on Saturday, while Atletico, in third, welcome leaders Barcelona in a blockbuster between the big two on Sunday.
In the Champions League, Madrid will turn to face Arsenal in the quarter-finals, an enticing pairing. If Los Blancos are to add another European crown, their level will have to rise substantially. But, as history indicates, ever counting out Real Madrid in the Champions League is a foolish thing to do.
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