Real Madrid secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals after overcoming their city rivals, Atlético Madrid, in a tense penalty shootout at the Estadio Metropolitano on March 12, 2025. The reigning European champions, after battling through 120 minutes of regulation and extra time, emerged victorious following the shootout, setting up a highly anticipated clash against Arsenal.
It was Antonio Rüdiger's decisive penalty kick, which slipped past goalkeeper Jan Oblak, ensuring Real Madrid’s progression. The victory was marked by drama, controversy, and several unexpected twists, epitomizing the fierce rivalry between the two Madrid clubs.
The match commenced with astonishing speed, as Conor Gallagher scored for Atlético Madrid just 27 seconds after kickoff, marking the earliest goal ever scored by an Englishman and the quickest goal recorded by Atlético Madrid in the Champions League history. Rodrigo De Paul assisted Gallagher’s effort with a well-placed low cross, stunning Real Madrid and leveling the aggregate score at 2-2 almost immediately.
While Real Madrid dominated possession with 62% during the first half, they struggled to convert this advantage, managing only three total shots with an xG of just 0.08. Key attacking players including Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo were largely ineffective, failing to make significant impacts.
The game took on the typical ferocity of a Madrid derby, with tension reaching new heights as both teams exchanged hard tackles and yellow cards. Despite Atlético’s excellent defensive setup, Madrid began to find their rhythm and could have taken the lead when Vinícius won a penalty after being fouled by Clément Lenglet. Much to the surprise of fans, Vinícius stepped up to take the penalty, but he uncharacteristically skied the ball over the crossbar — the first time he had missed from the spot for Real Madrid, making him 0 for 8 excluding shootouts.
Atlético Madrid, on the other hand, succumbed to their own demons as Marcos Llorente also missed from the spot, marking their fifth penalty concession of the 2024-25 Champions League season. With the match heading to extra time, the intensity remained palpable as neither side was willing to take risks, often retreating defensively.
The extra period saw Real Madrid applying continuous pressure, dominating ball possession yet once again failing to find the back of the net. Opportunities were few, and the game drifted toward penalties as both teams seemed content just to survive the additional 30 minutes.
When the shootout commenced, the psychological weight of the moment was immense. Atlético Madrid, who had previously progressed from their last four Champions League ties extending beyond 90 minutes, found themselves on the losing side. Thibaut Courtois saved one fewer penalty than Jan Oblak but played his role effectively, ensuring Madrid advanced due to the failures from their counterparts.
Post-match statistics revealed the breadth of the contest. This win marked Real Madrid’s fourth successful penalty shootout triumph in Champions League history — the most by any club. It also highlighted significant achievements for individual players: Jude Bellingham made his 45th Champions League appearance, placing him second all-time for players aged 21 or younger, surpassing Jamal Musiala. He now trails only the legendary Iker Casillas, who made 47 appearances before turning 22.
Real Madrid’s victory becomes part of their storied history as they march on with hopes of claiming their 16th European title. The title defense continues strong, underlining their reputation as giants of European football, and triggering questions surrounding Atlético's future as they seek to reclaim their form with another shot next season.
Intriguingly, both clubs will analyze this fixture closely, using it as material for improvement. Real Madrid will seek to rectify their penalty woes, highlighted by the rare miss from Vinícius, who had established himself as one of the team’s most reliable players. Atlético Madrid, meanwhile, will need to address their recurring penalty issues and find ways to capitalize on early leads to avoid similar heartbreaks as seen during this encounter.
For players and fans alike, this match will be remembered not just for the outcome but the record-setting moments and the continued drama of the Madrid rivalry. With the quarter-finals on the horizon, both clubs are expected to intensify their preparations for the challenges to come, as they remain focused on their respective goals within European football.