Real Madrid clinched the final spot in the Champions League Quarter-Finals Draw after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over city rivals Atlético Madrid. The reigning European champions will now face Arsenal in the next round of the competition.
Match Recap: Atlético Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid (Aggregate 2-2, Penalties 2-4)
The second leg at Wanda Metropolitano began with an early strike from Atlético’s Conor Gallagher, leveling the aggregate score to 2-2. Despite numerous opportunities, neither side could break the deadlock during regular and extra time, leading to a penalty shootout.
The shootout was marred by controversy when Atlético’s Julián Álvarez slipped during his attempt, inadvertently making contact with the ball twice. This infraction led to the penalty being disallowed after a VAR review, shifting momentum in favor of Real Madrid. Antonio Rüdiger converted the decisive penalty, securing Real’s advancement. citeturn0news24
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham highlighted the team’s resilience, stating that their “winning mentality” was crucial in overcoming the challenges posed by Atlético.
Champions League Quarter-Final Draw:
- Paris Saint-Germain vs. Aston Villa
- Real Madrid vs. Arsenal
- Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich
- Borussia Dortmund vs. Barcelona
These fixtures are scheduled for April 8/9 (first leg) and April 15/16 (second leg). UEFA will release the detailed match calendar in the coming days.
Notable Changes in Tournament Structure
UEFA introduced a significant change this season by eliminating the traditional quarter-final draw. The knockout phase bracket is now predetermined during the Round of 16 draw, allowing teams to anticipate potential opponents in subsequent rounds.
Looking Ahead: Real Madrid vs. Arsenal
The upcoming clash between Real Madrid and Arsenal promises to be Interesting. Both teams have showcased exceptional form this season, setting the stage for a captivating quarter-final tie.
[…] The UEFA Europa League Quarter-Finals matchups are set, featuring compelling fixtures that promise hot football action. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have advanced, eyeing the Europa League trophy as a pathway to next season’s UEFA Champions League. […]