Real Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid in a dramatic Champions League shootout after a 2-2 aggregate draw. Vinicius Jr. missed a crucial penalty in normal time, but Antonio Rudiger buried the winning spot-kick. Despite early struggles, Madrid’s resilience saw them secure a quarterfinal spot in another thrilling UCL night.
Real Madrid secured a thrilling Champions League quarterfinal spot after a tense penalty shootout victory over Atletico Madrid, following a 2-2 aggregate draw. Despite an early setback, Los Blancos found a way to survive, with Antonio Rudiger netting the decisive penalty to send Carlo Ancelotti’s side through.
Atletico struck early, catching Madrid off guard with a well-executed attack that led to a Conor Gallagher tap-in within the first minute. Madrid struggled to break through in the first half, with Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo well-contained, while Kylian Mbappe found little space to operate. Atletico, meanwhile, looked threatening on the counter, with Julian Alvarez testing Thibaut Courtois multiple times.
Madrid improved after the break and had a golden opportunity to take the lead when Mbappe won a penalty, but Vinicius missed from the spot. In extra time, both teams traded half-chances, but no breakthrough emerged, forcing a penalty shootout.
Atleti faltered under pressure, with Alvarez slipping on his attempt and Marcos Llorente striking the bar. Real Madrid capitalized, and despite a tense moment when Lucas Vazquez missed, Rudiger slotted home the winning penalty past Jan Oblak, securing another dramatic Champions League knockout triumph for Los Blancos.
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