Real Madrid defeats Atletico Madrid, advances to Champions League quarterfinals

Real Madrid triumphed over Atlético Madrid in a dramatic Champions League round of 16 match, winning 4-2 on penalties after the second leg ended 1-0 in favor of Atlético, resulting in a 2-2 aggregate score. Conor Gallagher scored an early goal for Atlético just 27 seconds into the match, but Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior missed a critical penalty that could have shifted the game's outcome. The penalty shootout saw controversy when Julián Alvarez's successful kick was disallowed by VAR for a double touch, and Marcos Llorente hit the crossbar, allowing Antonio Rüdiger to secure the win for Real. Despite Atlético’s strong performance and the heartbreak of another elimination by their rivals, the match added to their painful history in European contests against Madrid. Real Madrid will now face Arsenal in the quarter-finals after their convincing aggregate victory over PSV Eindhoven. The match showcased both teams' competitive spirit, with Atlético feeling they deserved more from the encounter.