Real Madrid secured a place in the Champions League quarter-finals after a tense and controversial penalty shootout victory over city rivals Atletico Madrid.

The dramatic win sets up a tie against Arsenal.

The shootout’s turning point came when Julian Alvarez’s penalty for Atletico was ruled out. Despite his powerful strike finding the net,

VAR determined he had made double contact with the ball, disallowing the goal.


Real capitalized on the decision, with Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, and Antonio Rudiger all converting their penalties. Rudiger’s decisive shot narrowly beat Jan Oblak, sealing Real’s victory.

Atletico started the second leg with a bang, leveling the aggregate score just 27 seconds in.

Conor Gallagher’s goal made history, becoming the fastest ever by an Englishman in the Champions League and Atletico’s quickest in the competition.

It was also Gallagher’s first European goal, sparking wild celebrations at the Wanda Metropolitano.


Real had their share of missed opportunities. Vinicius Jr. failed to convert a crucial penalty late in normal time after being fouled by Clement Lenglet. Despite his usual composure, the Brazilian’s shot sailed over the crossbar, to the delight of Atletico fans.

Arsenal, meanwhile, advanced after a 2-2 draw with PSV Eindhoven at the Emirates Stadium, following their dominant 7-1 win in the first leg. Goals from Oleksandr Zinchenko and Declan Rice ensured Mikel Arteta’s side’s progression.

The other quarter-final fixtures promise excitement, with Paris Saint-Germain facing Aston Villa, Barcelona taking on Borussia Dortmund, and Bayern Munich clashing with Inter Milan.


After the completion of the match, Real Madrid’s Midfielder, Jude Bellingham was named the man of the match after his superb performance against Atletico Madrid.


The England international played a key role in Real Madrid’s progression to the Quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.


1

It's their competition!
They always turn up, win in the least expected way.
Hala Madrid!

I'm a United fan though 😅
5 2

Nice