Atletico Madrid 1 : 0 Real Madrid
(After a 2-2 draw over two legs, Real Madrid wins 4-2 in the penalty shootout)
Unbelievable! What a match it was. Atletico Madrid scored in the first minute, followed by Vinicius Junior’s missed penalty, and finally, in the dramatic penalty shootout, Julian Alvarez’s goal was ruled out. It was truly a memorable battle on Atletico’s home turf today.
In this classic Champions League clash, Real Madrid triumphed 4-2 on penalties, advancing to the quarter-finals. Atletico had won 1-0 in regular time, but the overall score stood at 2-2 across both legs.
In the shootout, Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, and Antonio Rudiger scored for Real, while Lucas Vazquez missed. Atletico’s Alexander Sorloth and Angel Correa scored, but Alvarez and Marcos Llorente missed their penalties. Alvarez’s goal was controversially disallowed due to a “double touch” after his right foot lost control, causing his left foot to unintentionally touch the ball before it went in.
This dramatic victory saved Vinicius from becoming the tragic hero. Vinicius Junior has always been a star in big Champions League matches, often stepping up in semifinals and finals. While today’s match was a Round of 16 clash, its importance was not any less. However, the script was different this time. He was not meant to be the hero, and after missing a penalty, he could have been seen as the villain. But his teammates and luck saved him.
In the first leg at Atletico’s ground, Real Madrid didn’t take long to lose their lead. Atletico scored within the first minute through a brilliant counter-attack by Conor Gallagher. This was the fastest goal in Champions League history for Atletico, and Real’s fastest conceded goal since 2010. Following that, Real threw everything at Atletico, but Atletico also fought back fiercely, leading to a thrilling encounter.
However, Real’s attacks often lacked precision in Atletico’s box, and Atletico too struggled to create clear opportunities. In the 25th minute, Thibaut Courtois saved Real with an incredible save, and later, in the 35th minute, Atletico came close again but was denied by Courtois.
After halftime, Atletico continued to pressure Real Madrid, creating several chances early on, though none found the back of the net. Real also had their chances but failed to capitalize. In the 68th minute, Kylian Mbappe changed the course of the match, driving past two Atletico defenders and being fouled in the box by Lenglet. But Vinicius missed the resulting penalty, sending it wide.
With no goals in extra time, the match went to penalties, where Real emerged victorious in the shootout.
Lille 1 : 2 Dortmund
(After two legs, Dortmund wins 3-2)
After a 1-1 draw in the first leg at home, Borussia Dortmund was under pressure. The tension increased when Jonathan David scored for Lille in the 5th minute of the second leg. Dortmund now trailed 2-1 on aggregate. Despite efforts, Dortmund couldn’t level the match in the first half and went into the break trailing.
However, Dortmund showed a different face after the break. In the 54th minute, Emre Can’s penalty goal brought the aggregate score level at 2-2. Then, in the 65th minute, Maximilian Beier scored, putting Dortmund ahead 3-2 on aggregate. Despite no more goals, Dortmund won 3-2 on aggregate and progressed to the quarter-finals, where they will face Barcelona.
Arsenal 2 : 2 PSV
(Arsenal wins 9-3 on aggregate)
This match was effectively decided in the first leg, where Arsenal won 7-1 away at PSV. With no chance left for the Dutch club, the return leg was a mere formality. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, and Arsenal won the tie 9-3 on aggregate.
Aston Villa 3 : 0 Club Brugge
(Aston Villa wins 6-1 on aggregate)
After losing 3-1 at home in the first leg, Club Brugge had already seen their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals dashed. In the second leg, they couldn’t mount any resistance against Aston Villa, losing 3-0. Aston Villa won 6-1 on aggregate, with Marco Asensio scoring a brace and Ian Maatsen adding another goal.
