Real Madrid advanced to the Champions League quarters on Wednesday. They won a dramatic penalty shootout. The aggregate score ended 2-2 after extra time. Consequently, Real won 4-2 on penalties. However, controversy arose over one disallowed penalty.
Specifically, VAR ruled Julian Alvarez’s penalty invalid. Moreover, he touched the ball with his standing foot. Therefore, Atletico lost a crucial chance to equalize. Additionally, Real maintained their advantage with decisive actions.
Furthermore, Conor Gallagher scored just 27 seconds into the game. Thus, he immediately leveled the aggregate score. Previously, Real held a 2-1 lead from the first leg. Later, Kylian Mbappe earned a spot-kick after a foul. Specifically, Clement Lenglet fouled Mbappe inside the box. However, Vinicius Junior’s kick sailed high over the bar. Consequently, the match advanced into extra time.
Then, Alvarez scored his second penalty for Atletico. Meanwhile, VAR found he slipped before striking the ball. Hence, officials disallowed his kick. Moreover, Lucas Vazquez missed his penalty for Real. Soon after, Marcos Llorente hit the bar for Atletico. Ultimately, Antonio Rudiger scored the winning penalty.
Federico Valverde admitted the team felt very tired during penalties. Similarly, Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak mentioned they lacked some luck. Notably, Real Madrid has faced Atletico five times in twelve seasons. Furthermore, they won twice through penalties.
In addition, Real Madrid will face Arsenal in the quarters. This meeting marks their first clash since 2006. Moreover, Arsenal advanced with strong form. They won 7-1 in the first leg against PSV Eindhoven. Then, a 2-2 draw at the Emirates allowed Arsenal to progress 9-3 on aggregate. Additionally, Oleksandr Zinchenko scored early for Arsenal. Later, Declan Rice added a second goal. Meanwhile, PSV’s Ivan Perisic equalized briefly. Furthermore, Couhaib Driouech chipped a winning effort.
In contrast, Aston Villa beat Club Brugge 3-0 in Birmingham. Consequently, they advanced with a 6-1 aggregate score. Significantly, Kyriani Sabbe received a red card early on. Then, Marco Asensio scored two goals off the bench. Thus, Aston Villa reached the last eight. However, Villa now faces PSG next round.
Moreover, Borussia Dortmund defeated Lille 2-1 in France. They secured a 3-2 aggregate victory overall. Initially, Jonathan David gave Lille an early lead. Then, Emre Can converted a crucial penalty. Finally, Maximilian Beier fired in a fine winner. Consequently, Dortmund will face Barcelona in the quarters. Earlier, Dortmund lost to Barcelona in the league.
