Home » Champions League Round of 16: Real Madrid Edge Atletico in Penalty Thriller, Arsenal Set Up Quarter-Final Clash

Champions League Round of 16: Real Madrid Edge Atletico in Penalty Thriller, Arsenal Set Up Quarter-Final Clash

Written By : Tommy — March 13, 2025

Listed Under: Featured, Football, News, Trending, UEFA

The final set of second-leg matches in the Champions League Round of 16 has concluded, with Real Madrid securing a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby. Meanwhile, Arsenal comfortably advanced to the quarter-finals after seeing off PSV.

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Atletico Madrid 0-1 Real Madrid (2-2 AET, 2-4 Pen): Another heartbreak for Simeone

For the fourth time, Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid have been eliminated by Real Madrid in the Champions League. The loss has come via penalties twice, including this latest defeat on March 13. This marks Real Madrid’s fourth penalty shootout victory in the competition’s history, the most of any club. Across all competitions, the two sides have now gone to penalties six times, with Real always emerging victorious.

Antonio Rudiger took the last kick during shootout to put Real Madrid in the UCL Quarterfinal — Antonio Rudiger took the last kick during shootout against Atletico Madrid to put Real Madrid in the UCL Quarterfinal

Lucas Vazquez missed his penalty, while Vinicius Jr squandered a crucial spot-kick during normal time. However, Marcos Llorente hit the crossbar for Atletico during the shootout, and Antonio Rudiger’s powerful effort, despite Oblak getting a hand to it, helped Real book their quarter-final berth.

A major talking point was Julian Alvarez’s disallowed penalty. The Argentine striker touched the ball twice before it crossed the line, leading the referee to rule the attempt invalid—a decision that tilted the shootout further in Real’s favor.

Julian Alvarez failed his shoot during Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid clash

Atletico had started stronger, taking the lead just 28 seconds in when Conor Gallagher finished from close range. His strike was the fastest goal ever scored by an English player in Champions League history.

Real struggled for most of the first half and seemed outmatched against Atletico’s resilient defense. But a moment of individual brilliance from Kylian Mbappe changed the game. In the 68th minute, the French captain weaved through Atletico’s defense before being brought down by Clement Lenglet, earning his team a penalty. However, Vinicius Jr’s attempt sailed over the bar, denying Real a chance to take the lead.

I don't think you will find a clearer angle of Julian Alvarez twice touching the ball. pic.twitter.com/flbVHbRSU3
— 𝙇𝘽𝙕  (@losblancoszone) March 13, 2025

It was the first time Vinicius had failed to convert a penalty for Real Madrid after seven successful attempts. Despite this, he was substituted before the shootout, with Mbappe stepping up to confidently net Real’s opening penalty.

Real Madrid’s victory means they have now eliminated Atletico from the knockout stages of the Champions League in all six meetings between the two clubs. Carlo Ancelotti’s men will now face Arsenal in the quarter-finals, with the first leg set for April 8 at the Emirates Stadium.