1 (2)-0 (4): Shootout win to book quarter-final spot

Real Madrid have booked their place in the Champions League quarter-finals. It was an uphill battle from the off, after Conor Gallagher found the net in the first minute of the match, but our team held their nerve from the spot once again to make it through to the next round. Just like last season at the Etihad Stadium, it was Rüdiger who converted the decisive spot-kick.
The tie was level following Gallagher's goal with just 30 seconds on the clock. From that point on, Real Madrid took control of the ball, and with 20 minutes gone they appealed for a penalty as Vini Jr.'s cross struck Giuliano's hand. Ancelotti's boys were on top, but unable to break down Atlético's well-drilled, stubborn defence. The hosts created some danger of their own through Julián Álvarez, who was kept out well by Courtois on two occasions, with 25 and 39 minutes played.

Missed penalty
The second half got underway in much the same way as the first had ended. Julián Álvarez got a shot off from the edge of the box on 47’ and once again, our goalkeeper was equal to it. The minutes ticked by, but a swift Madrid counter could have changed the result in an instant. Mbappé picked the ball up in the opposition half and bore down on the hosts' defence, turning Giménez inside out and skipping past Lenglet, who pulled him over in the box as he was about to get his shot away. Marziniak pointed to the spot but Vini Jr. blazed the kick over the bar.

Extra-time
From then on to the end of regulation time, our team continued their second-half superiority but the goal they needed was not forthcoming. The tie went to extra-time, and Brahim tried his luck just three minutes in, but Oblak was able to gather his effort. Both teams were tiring now and although Madrid penned their rivals back, they were unable to break the deadlock. Qualification would be decided in a shootout, and once more our team were up to the challenge to book their place in the quarter-finals. Mbappé, Bellingham and Valverde all scored, as did Rüdiger, converting the winning kick just as he had last season at the Etihad Stadium.
Penalties
0-1: Mbappé, goal.
1-1: Sorloth, goal.
1-2: Bellingham, goal.
1-2: Julián Álvarez, miss.
1-3: Valverde, goal.
2-3: Correa, goal.
2-3: Lucas Vázquez, Oblak save.
2-3: Llorente, crossbar.
2-4: Rüdiger, goal.