Real Madrid Survives Atletico Madrid in Tense Champions League Shootout

Real Madrid advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout victory against Atletico Madrid, securing a 4-2 win on penalties following a 2-2 aggregate score. Conor Gallagher's early goal for Atletico leveled the aggregate score just 27 seconds into the match, but despite opportunities, including a missed penalty by Vinicius Junior, neither team could score in regulation or extra time. A controversial moment occurred during the shootout when Julián Álvarez's equalizing penalty was disallowed after VAR confirmed he had double-touched the ball. Madrid capitalized on this advantage, converting four of their five penalties, while Atletico's Marcos Llorente missed his attempt. This match marked another heartbreaking exit for Atletico against their city rivals in the Champions League, continuing a streak of defeats in crucial encounters. Real Madrid will next face Arsenal in the quarter-finals.