In a thrilling UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg match on March 12, 2025, Real Madrid edged past city rivals Atlético Madrid, securing their spot in the quarterfinals after a tense penalty shootout.
The match at Estadio Metropolitano began explosively, with Atlético’s Conor Gallagher finding the net just 27 seconds after kickoff. This early goal leveled the aggregate score at 2-2, setting the stage for a fiercely contested encounter.
Both teams had chances to seize control. Notably, Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior squandered a second-half penalty, sending his effort over the crossbar. Despite dominating possession, Los Blancos struggled to penetrate Atlético’s resilient defense.
The deadlock persisted through extra time, with neither side able to break through, leading to the decisive penalty shootout.
The shootout was fraught with tension. Atlético’s Julián Álvarez experienced misfortune when he slipped, inadvertently striking the ball twice, resulting in his penalty being disallowed. Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger then converted the decisive spot-kick, clinching a 4-2 victory in the shootout.
With this victory, Real Madrid advances to face Arsenal FC in the quarterfinals, aiming to continue their pursuit of European glory.
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