The Madrid derby in the Champions League did not disappoint and left a story full of tension, drama and excitement until the last minute. In a match where Atlético de Madrid dominated for long stretches, Real Madrid was able to hold on and take the tie to penalties, where their effectiveness once again made the difference. Simeone, once again, saw his team fall short in the shootout, leaving Madrid with the ticket to the quarterfinals.
An Explosive Start For Atlético
The Metropolitano was on fire from the very first minute with a goal that left Real Madrid frozen. The match had barely begun when Atlético took advantage of a defensive oversight to open the scoring. The move was quick and lethal, with a precise cross that ended up in the white net before Ancelotti's players could react.
With the advantage in their favor, Simeone's team played with the intensity that characterizes them. With a solid defense and an aggressive midfield, they were able to contain Madrid and prevent them from finding spaces. Julián Álvarez played a key role in the attack, generating danger in every intervention. However, the red and white team failed to extend their lead despite the opportunities.
Madrid, for their part, had possession, but without depth. The Merengue team moved the ball from one side to the other without generating real danger. Vinícius tried to unbalance, but found a well-positioned defense that thwarted his attempts. The first half ended with the feeling that Atlético was closer to the second goal than Madrid was to the equalizer.
A Missed Penalty That Changed the Course of the Game
The second half began with the same intensity, but with Atlético gradually beginning to feel the physical wear and tear. As the minutes progressed, Real Madrid found more spaces and began to reach the rival area with more clarity.
The turning point came with a penalty in Madrid's favor after a clear foul inside the area. Vinícius took the responsibility from the penalty spot, but his shot went wide, missing a golden opportunity. The miss awakened Madrid, who from that moment on played with more energy and drive.
Ancelotti's changes had an effect and the Merengue team began to generate more danger. Brahim Díaz, who had been key in the first leg, came on with the desire to do some damage, while Valverde and Camavinga took control of the midfield. Atlético, on the other hand, began to give ground and lost the clarity they had shown in the first half.
Extension, Physical Exhaustion And Penalties That Generalize Simeone's Karma
With the score tied on aggregate, the match went into extra time. In extra time, Atlético tried to react, but no longer had the same intensity as at the start. Correa and Sorloth had chances, but fatigue and pressure weighed on the legs of the Colchoneros players.
Real Madrid, fresher in the second half of extra time, began to tip the balance in their favor. However, they failed to score the final goal and the fate of the match went to penalties, an instance in which Atlético has a history of frustration.
The penalty shootout was a reflection of Atlético's recent history in this instance. The red and white team missed two kicks, including one by Julián Álvarez that ended up being disallowed for a double touch after a slip. A cruel outcome for a player who had been key in the match.
On the Madrid side, there was only one mistake, and Rüdiger was in charge of closing the series with the final penalty. Once again, the experience and mentality of the white team made the difference in the moments of greatest pressure.
With this victory, Real Madrid advanced to the quarterfinals, while Atlético was eliminated with the sensation of having been close, but without the necessary forcefulness to strike the blow. Simeone, who has built a competitive team, has still not found the formula to break his bad streak in penalty shootouts.
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Mbappé's future and Arsenal on hold
While Madrid celebrates its qualification, a parallel story appears on the horizon. Kylian Mbappé, whose arrival at the white club seems inevitable, was one of the most discreet figures of the match. His performance was not decisive and left doubts about his physical condition and his adaptation to the team.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are keeping a close eye on the French striker's situation. The English team is looking to strengthen its attack and Mbappé is a name that always generates speculation in the market. However, everything indicates that his final destination is in Madrid, where he will seek to leave his mark on the club's history.
Real Madrid advances and continues its path in the Champions League, while Atletico is left with a new wound in the European tournament. A classic that left emotions, controversies and a story that will be remembered for a long time.
