In a thrilling UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match on March 12, 2025, Real Madrid edged past Atlético Madrid in a dramatic penalty shootout, securing their spot in the quarter-finals. The match, held at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, concluded with a 1-1 draw after extra time, leading to a tense shootout that was marred by controversy.
Match Overview
The game began with a bang as Conor Gallagher netted a goal for Atlético Madrid just 28 seconds into the match, marking the fastest goal by an English player in Champions League history. Real Madrid had a golden opportunity to equalize in the second half when they were awarded a penalty, but Vinícius Júnior’s attempt was thwarted, keeping Atlético in the lead. However, Real Madrid’s relentless pressure paid off when they found the back of the net, leveling the score and pushing the match into extra time.
The Penalty Shootout and Controversy
The penalty shootout took a contentious turn during Atlético’s second attempt. Julián Álvarez stepped up but slipped during his run-up, inadvertently making contact with the ball twice before it entered the goal. According to UEFA regulations, a player cannot touch the ball twice during a penalty kick. The referee, upon consulting the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), disallowed the goal, citing the double touch as the infraction.
This decision proved pivotal as Real Madrid capitalized on the situation. Antonio Rüdiger converted the decisive penalty, propelling Los Blancos into the quarter-finals with a 4-2 victory in the shootout.
Reactions
Atlético Madrid’s manager, Diego Simeone, expressed his frustration over the decision, challenging those present to confirm if they had seen the double contact, implying that the call was dubious. Despite the setback, Simeone praised his team’s performance, emphasizing their competitiveness and resilience throughout the match.
This incident adds to the storied rivalry between the two Madrid clubs, reminiscent of past Champions League encounters where controversies and dramatic moments have often been the narrative. Real Madrid’s advancement sets up a tantalizing quarter-final clash against Arsenal, promising more high-stakes action in the tournament.
