By Razeen Gutta
As they do time and time again, Real Madrid got the job done in dramatic fashion in the Uefa Champions League.
There were plenty of thrills, spills and controversy as the Metropolitano played host to a derby day edition of the last 16 second leg.
Real’s first leg advantage was cancelled out after merely 30 seconds as Conor Gallagher latched onto a low cross from Raul de Paul to put Atletico ahead on the night.
In the two hours of football that followed, no side could take an aggregate lead; and penalties would loom.
Thibaut Courtois was forced into an array of saves as the hosts created more despite keeping less of the ball throughout normal and extra time.
Vinicius Jr was provided with a golden opportunity to put the tie to bed from the spot on the 70th minute mark, but he skied his attempt.
Once the lottery of the shootout got underway, the visitors would quickly seize complete control.
Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham comfortably netted for Real before and after Alexander Soerloth’s cool strike.
Atletico’s third kick was a controversial one, though, as the celebrations were cut short by a call to disallow Julian Alvarez’s strike.
A slip in his run-up saw the Argentine double touch the ball, giving Carlo Ancelotti’s side the advantage they desired.
Jan Oblak kept out Lucas Vasquez but Marcos Llorente hit the post just when it seemed Atletico would be up for a final twist. Antonio Rudiger made no mistake with the decisive spotkick, sending his side through to the next round.
Elsewhere, Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with PSV was irrelevant after their 7-1 thumping in the first leg, while Aston Villa continued their onslaught of Club Bruges with a 3-0 win at Villa Park.
Borussia Dortmund came back from behind to overcome Lille as they booked their place in the last eight with a 3-2 aggregate win after marking a 2-1 victory on the night.
The quarter finals for another season of club football’s biggest competition have now been set.
Defending champions Real Madrid will take on Arsenal while Barcelona face Borussia Dortmund. Bayern Munich will play Inter as Aston Villa go up against PSG.
The first legs will take place on 8 and 9 April and the second legs a week later on 15 and 16 April as the road to Munich reaches its peak.
Pictured above: Jude Bellingham
Source: @realmadrid
