Real Madrid Survive Atlético Thriller: Win 4-2 on Penalties to Set Up Quarterfinal Clash with Arsenal

The Madrid Derby in the Champions League Round of 16 delivered an absolute spectacle, filled with early drama, defensive battles, missed chances, and a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Atlético Madrid struck inside 27 seconds, setting the stage for an intense battle, while Real Madrid fought through 120 minutes of resistance before emerging victorious in a tense penalty shootout.

With a grueling path to the final ahead, Madrid now turn their attention to a quarterfinal showdown against Arsenal. For Atlético, it was heartbreak at home, as thousands of their supporters were left in tears, witnessing their European dreams end in the cruelest fashion.

An Explosive Start – Gallagher Stuns Madrid in 27 Seconds

Coming into the match, speculation swirled around Kylian Mbappé’s fitness, with reports suggesting an ankle injury could keep him out. However, when Carlo Ancelotti revealed his starting XI, it was clear Madrid had no intention of holding back. The fearsome attacking quartet of Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham started together, while Atlético fielded Julián Álvarez and Antoine Griezmann as their attacking spearheads.

But before Madrid could settle, Atlético shocked them with an astonishing goal.

• 27 seconds into the match, Reinildo Mandava launched a long ball forward.
• Rodrigo De Paul sprinted down the right flank, delivering a low cross into the box.
• Giovanni Simeone cleverly dummied the ball, letting it roll past him.
• Conor Gallagher pounced with a sliding finish, smashing the ball past Andriy Lunin.

The Estadio Metropolitano erupted, with over 60,000 Atlético fans celebrating wildly. It was a dream start for Diego Simeone’s men, as they leveled the aggregate score at 2-2.

Madrid’s Struggles – Attack in Disarray, Defense Under Siege

The early goal galvanized Atlético, who pressed relentlessly and prevented Madrid from building any rhythm. Álvarez and Griezmann wreaked havoc, forcing Madrid’s defense into multiple uncomfortable situations.

Meanwhile, Madrid’s attacking stars were neutralized:

• Bellingham barely saw the ball, struggling to find space between Atlético’s compact lines.
• Mbappé was left isolated, unable to make his trademark runs in behind.
• Vinícius Jr. was shackled on the left wing, rarely threatening Jan Oblak’s goal.

The first half ended with Madrid managing just one shot on target, their expected goals (xG) value sitting at a miserable 0.08. For a team boasting such offensive firepower, it was a shockingly toothless display.

Second Half – Mbappé Wins a Penalty, Vinícius Misses the Target

Ancelotti had to react, and he did so in the 65th minute, making a double substitution:

• Eduardo Camavinga replaced Aurélien Tchouaméni, adding more energy in midfield.
• Lucas Vázquez came on for Luka Modrić, allowing Federico Valverde to push forward.

Madrid finally showed signs of life, and just three minutes later, Mbappé changed the game.

• 68th minute – The French superstar drove into the box, forcing Clément Lenglet into a desperate challenge. The referee immediately pointed to the spot.

It was the moment Madrid had been waiting for—a golden opportunity to level the match and regain control.

However, Vinícius Jr. stepped up... and completely wasted it. His shot soared over the crossbar, landing somewhere in the stands, leaving Madrid in disbelief.

Extra Time – A Battle of Attrition, Tempers Flare

With regulation time ending at 1-0 (2-2 on aggregate), the match headed into extra time. Both teams battled fiercely in midfield, with challenges becoming more aggressive. The crowd at the Metropolitano played their part, with Simeone constantly urging them to make more noise.

• 115th minute – A heated moment occurred when Marcos Llorente clashed with Lucas Vázquez, sparking a mini confrontation. The referee booked both players, restoring order just in time for the final few minutes.
• 116th minute – Ancelotti made his last move, bringing on young Brazilian prodigy Endrick for Vinícius Jr., hoping for one last spark.

Despite the relentless energy on the pitch, no breakthrough came, sending the match to the dreaded penalty shootout.

The Penalty Shootout – Real Madrid Hold Their Nerve, VAR Decides the Outcome

A penalty shootout in a Madrid Derby? Pure drama. The tension was unbearable as both teams prepared for their moment of truth.

Round 1:

✅ Mbappé scores (Madrid)
✅ Sørloth scores (Atlético)
? 1-1

Round 2:

✅ Bellingham scores (Madrid)
? Álvarez’s penalty is ruled out for a double touch! (VAR confirms violation)
? 2-1 Madrid

Round 3:

✅ Rodrygo scores (Madrid)
✅ Griezmann keeps Atlético alive
? 3-2 Madrid

Round 4:

? Lucas Vázquez misses! (Madrid)
? Llorente hits the post! (Atlético)
? Still 3-2 Madrid

Round 5:

✅ Antonio Rüdiger buries his shot to send Madrid through!
? 4-2 Madrid win!

As the ball hit the net, Madrid players erupted in celebration, while Atlético’s players collapsed to the ground in despair. Some Atlético fans were seen crying, their hopes shattered after an agonizing defeat.

A Grueling Path Ahead – Madrid’s Road to Wembley

With this exhausting battle behind them, Real Madrid’s Champions League journey doesn’t get any easier:

• Playoff Round: Eliminated Manchester City
• Round of 16: Survived Atlético’s fierce challenge
• Quarterfinals: Now face Arsenal

The road to Wembley is proving to be a brutal test, but Madrid thrive in adversity. Their dream of defending their European crown is still alive, but Arsenal will be waiting with firepower of their own.

A Madrid Derby for the Ages

This wasn’t just a match; it was a war of endurance, a test of mentality, and a showcase of Champions League drama at its peak.

Atlético left everything on the pitch, but ultimately, VAR, missed chances, and Madrid’s penalty composure sealed their fate. Madrid, on the other hand, once again proved why they are the kings of Europe, refusing to go down even when they weren’t at their best.

Now, with Arsenal standing in their way, the next chapter of Madrid’s Champions League saga promises to be just as enthralling. The question remains: Can they go all the way again?