“Real Madrid Reigns Supreme: Another Nightmare for Atletico”
Atletico’s nightmare in the European arena of Madrid has unfolded yet again… Following Sergio Ramos’ dramatic moment in Lisbon in 2014, a penalty heartbreaker in Milan two years later, and eliminations in the quarterfinals of 2015 and the semifinals in 2017, the “colchoneros” once more witnessed Real Madrid take everything from them.
The Royal Club clinched their title, overcoming a goal conceded just 27 seconds in, a missed penalty attempt by Vinicius, and fierce competition for 120 minutes… They also received a stroke of luck when VAR disallowed a penalty shootout goal for Julián Alvarez due to a slip and double contact with the ball. Ultimately, they advanced to yet another quarterfinal.
After a 2-1 victory for the “Whites” in the first leg, Atletico managed to claim a win in the return leg with a goal from Conor Gallagher (1-0), but the shootout ended in another tie.
“Real always discovers another level of ruthlessness,” notes Madrid’s Marca, harshly highlighting Atletico’s misfortune.
Besides Alvarez, Marcos Llorente also faced misfortune at the penalty spot, striking the crossbar.
Conversely, Jan Oblak saved a penalty from Lukas Vasquez and nearly thwarted Antonio Rudiger’s decisive shot.
While Oblak wasn’t fortunate, Real certainly was – as always, when the “Kings of Europe” need to prove why they are the most illustrious club.
Real will now face Arsenal in the quarter-finals, after the Gunners held PSV to a 2-2 draw in the second leg following a commanding 7-1 victory in Eindhoven.
The 1982 European champions Aston Villa achieved notable success, eliminating Club Brugge with an aggregate score of 6:1, setting up a clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
Meanwhile, the other two quarterfinal matches promise to be thrilling: Inter vs. Bayern Munich and Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund.
Champions League, round of 16
Atletico – Real 1:0 (2:2 on aggregate), 2:4 on penalties
Gallagher 1.
Arsenal – PSV 2:2 – 9:3
Zincenko 6, Rice 37 – Perisic 19, Drius 70.
Aston Villa – Club Brugge 3:0 – 6:1
Asensio 50, 61, Matsen 57.
Lille – Borussia D 1:2 – 2:3
David 5 – Can 54, Bayer 65.