Real Madrid edge Atletico in dramatic Champions League shootout! It took Antonio Rudiger to squeeze his penalty past Jan Oblak and send Real Madrid through to the Champions League quarter-finals, where they will face Arsenal. However, the match was not without controversy, as Julian Alvarez’s penalty was ruled out under IFAB regulations.
Gallagher Opens the Scoring
The thrilling encounter began with a bang as Conor Gallagher fired Real Madrid into the lead in the first minute of play. Atletico Madrid, trailing 2-1 from the first leg, needed a response at the Wanda Metropolitano to keep their European hopes alive.
Despite the early setback, Diego Simeone’s men fought back, taking the game to extra time in a high-intensity battle.
Mbappe and Sorloth Trade Blows in the Shootout
As the match ended 1-1 after 120 minutes, the tie was decided by a penalty shootout.
Kylian Mbappe stepped up first for Real Madrid and calmly slotted his effort past Oblak. Atletico quickly responded as Alexander Sorloth converted from the spot to restore parity.
Jude Bellingham then stepped up for Los Blancos and finished with his usual composure before the night’s biggest controversy unfolded.
Alvarez’s Controversial Disallowed Penalty
It was Julian Alvarez’s turn to take the penalty, and the 25-year-old Argentine thought he had done enough when he sent Thibaut Courtois the wrong way and slotted the ball into the net.
However, VAR intervened to review the penalty, and the goal was disallowed due to an infraction of IFAB’s penalty regulations.
What Went Wrong for Alvarez?
During his run-up, Alvarez slipped, unintentionally touching the ball twice before it crossed the line. According to the International Football Association Board (IFAB) rules, a penalty taker must not play the ball again until another player has touched it.
Since Alvarez’s double touch meant that no other player was involved in the sequence, the penalty was ruled out, leaving Atletico players and fans furious at the decision.
Valverde and Correa Keep the Shootout Alive
After the controversial call, Federico Valverde confidently stepped up and smashed his penalty home for Real Madrid.
Angel Correa followed for Atletico Madrid, calmly converting his effort to keep his side’s hopes alive.
Misses from Vazquez and Llorente
With the pressure mounting, Lucas Vazquez had the opportunity to put Real Madrid in a commanding position but missed his spot-kick, handing Atletico Madrid a lifeline.
However, Marcos Llorente failed to capitalize, missing his attempt as well, leaving both teams still searching for a decisive moment.
Rudiger Seals Madrid’s Victory
With the shootout on a knife’s edge, it was Antonio Rudiger who stepped up for the decisive penalty. The German defender kept his composure, sending Oblak the wrong way to seal Real Madrid’s spot in the quarter-finals.
As Rudiger’s teammates erupted in celebration, Atletico players were left dejected, knowing how close they had come to pulling off an incredible comeback.
Real Madrid Set to Face Arsenal
With their dramatic shootout victory, Carlo Ancelotti’s men now look ahead to a mouthwatering quarter-final clash with Arsenal.
The two-legged encounter will see Mikel Arteta’s Gunners take on the record Champions League winners, as Madrid continue their pursuit of European glory.
As Los Blancos aim to extend their dominance in the Champions League, Arsenal will be hoping to upset the Spanish giants and book their place in the semi-finals.
The stage is set for an electrifying encounter between two of Europe’s most exciting teams.