In a match full of tension and tough duels, we saw Atletico Madrid secure a victory in regular time. There was no winner in extra time, but in the penalty shootout, Atletico Madrid came out on top.At the mere mention of the Madrid derby, many get chills. A flurry of chances, great plays, and goals—that’s what is expected when the names Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid appear in a match preview. The same was true for this game. The best proof of that was the fans, who put on various choreographies before the match, with pyrotechnics also making an appearance.UCL LIVE BLOG: Atletico score after 28 seconds, the Gunners in the lead tooA different kind of explosion occurred at the Metropolitano stadium when, in just 30 seconds, Gallagher put Atletico Madrid in the lead. The red-and-whites launched their first attack of the game, De Paul found himself on the right side and sent a cross into the box, where the visiting defense fumbled with the ball. Gallagher took advantage of the situation, ran onto it, and beat Courtois, sparking massive celebrations in the stadium.00:27 – Conor Gallagher’s opening goal for Atlético Madrid against Real Madrid after 27 seconds is the fastest goal ever scored by an Englishman in the history of the UEFA Champions League. Vamos. pic.twitter.com/dCtZ5NbV8o— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 12, 2025 From that moment on, Real took control of the game. Carlo Ancelotti’s men held possession constantly, almost frustrating their opponents with their passing, but despite Real Madrid’s dominance, it was the home team that had the better chances.In the 21st minute, Julian Alvarez was left unmarked on the edge of the box after a cross. He struck the ball just past the left post, nearly beating the Belgian goalkeeper. The same player found himself in another opportunity just four minutes later, this time shooting from the left side almost unchallenged, but this time Courtois had to intervene, which he did successfully.BIG SAVE FROM COURTOIS!! #ChampionsLeague #UCL #ATMRMA pic.twitter.com/TeZ9l5SjDw— Pulse Sports Nigeria (@PulseSportsNG) March 12, 2025 Real Madrid’s first shot on target came in the 29th minute when Rodrygo fired a weak effort that Jan Oblak easily caught. That the Argentine was particularly motivated was evident again in the 39th minute when he took a difficult shot from the right side, but the Belgian goalkeeper once again proved successful.HALFTIME!💥A frantic match in Madrid, with an early goal from Gallagher leveling the series! ⚽️🏴#realmadrid #atletico #atleticodemadrid #ucl #uefachampionsleague #championsleague pic.twitter.com/A1W434l7WH— MARCA in English 🇺🇸 (@MARCAinENGLISH) March 12, 2025 Just as it began, the second half continued in the same style as the first. Once again, Alvarez found himself in a good position, took a shot, but Courtois once again saved the Argentine’s attempt.Atletico Madrid’s next big chance in the second half came in the 60th minute when, after a free kick, Lenglet headed the ball just wide of the goal.Eight minutes later, we saw the biggest moment of excitement so far. After a brilliant counterattack involving Camavinga, Vinicius, and Mbappe, the Frenchman skillfully dribbled past a defender before Lenglet brought him down, resulting in a penalty. Vinicius Jr. stepped up to take the shot but sent the ball high over the goal, triggering celebrations from Atletico’s players, fans, and Diego Simeone himself.Vinicius Jr misses the penalty for Real Madrid! pic.twitter.com/etxSiDDloj— All Things Brazil™ 🇧🇷 (@SelecaoTalk) March 12, 2025 Vinicius’ penalty against Atletico Madridpic.twitter.com/3uTDyLOOab— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) March 12, 2025 Real Madrid nearly paid the price for their missed opportunity just three minutes later when Simeone broke through from the right side and fired a powerful shot, but once again, Thibaut Courtois reacted superbly, showcasing his sharp reflexes.In the 90th minute, Correa, who had entered the game just 30 seconds earlier, had a chance to secure victory for his team. However, instead of passing to the unmarked Alvarez, he went for the shot himself and sent the ball over the goal.The only noteworthy moments in the first extra time were shots from Diaz on one side and Sorloth on the other, as well as a shot from Lucas Vazquez near the end of the first half. In the second part we didn’t see anything worth mentioning, so the penalties decided who is still on the way to Munich final.A quarter-final showdown with Real Madrid awaits. pic.twitter.com/DQW1xFq4y7— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 12, 2025 During the penalty shootout, Julian Alvarez’s goal was disallowed due to a double touch on the ball. On the other side, Oblak saved a penalty, but in Atletico Madrid’s next attempt, Llorente hit the crossbar. This gave Rudiger the match point, which he successfully converted.In the next stage of UCL, Real Madrid will play with Arsenal.UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – ROUND OF 16Second legTuesdayBarcelona – Benfica 3-1 (3-1)/Raphinha 11, 42, Yamal 27 – Otamendi 13/Barcelona win 4-1 on aggInter Milan – Feyenoord 2-1 (1-1)/Thuram 8, Cahlanoglu 51 pen – Moder 42 pen/Inter win 4-1 on aggBayer Leverkusen – Bayern Munich 0-2 (0-0)/Kane 52, Davies 71/Bayern win 5-0 on aggLiverpool – PSG 0-1 (0-1)/Dembele 12/PSG win 5-3 after penalty shootoutWednesdayLille – Dortmund 1-2 (1-0)/David 5, Can (p) 54, Beier 65/Borussia win 3-2 on aggArsenal – PSV 2-2 (2-1)/Zinchenko 6, Rice 37 – Perisic 18, Driouech 70/Arsenal win 9-3 on aggAston Villa – Club Brugge 3-0 (0-0)/Asensio 50, 61, Maatsen 57/Aston Villa win 6-1 on aggAtl. Madrid – Real Madrid 1-0 (1-0)/Gallagher 1/Real Madrid win 4-2 after penalty shootout
