Real Madrid edge Atletico Madrid in thriller to set up Arsenal showdown

The victory, which came after a 2-2 aggregate stalemate, ended Atletico's impressive 18-match unbeaten run at home in Champions League knockout ties and kept the defending champions in the hunt for a record-extending 16th European crown. Next up for Los Blancos: a blockbuster clash with Arsenal.

The night began with a jolt for Real Madrid, as Atletico wiped out their 2-1 first-leg lead inside 27 seconds, the fastest goal ever scored by an Englishman in the competition and Atletico's earliest in Champions League history.

Julian Alvarez sparked the move, feeding Rodrigo De Paul, whose pinpoint cross found Conor Gallagher sliding in at the near post to ignite the Metropolitano faithful.

"That start put us on the back foot immediately," Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti admitted in his post-match press conference.

Despite the electric atmosphere, clear chances were scarce in a tightly contested first half. Atletico, coached by the ever-tactical Diego Simeone, sat deep and looked to pounce, with Alvarez twice testing Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Real Madrid, however, struggled to find their rhythm, managing just one shot on target before the hour mark. "We made it more difficult by losing unnecessary balls that constantly found us out of position," Ancelotti said. "If they'd scored a second, the game could have spiralled out of control."

The visitors finally stirred in the second half when Kylian Mbappe danced through Atletico's defence, only to be hauled down by Clement Lenglet in the penalty area. Up stepped Vinicius Junior, but his dreadful spot-kick sailed high and wide, leaving Ancelotti stunned on the touchline. "We wanted to finish it before penalties," the Italian tactician noted, "but we lacked focus."

Atletico nearly capitalised, with De Paul's free-kick headed just off-target by Lenglet and substitute Angel Correa firing over after outfoxing Antonio Rudiger.

Extra time brought more tension. Atletico substitute Alexander Sorloth fluffed a golden chance from close range, and the tie inevitably rolled into a shootout. Drama ensued when Alvarez's penalty was disallowed for a double touch, handing Real Madrid the edge.

Jan Oblak clawed Atletico back into it with a superb save from Lucas Vazquez, but Marcos Llorente's effort crashed off the bar, and Rudiger's scrappy strike slipped through Oblak's hands to seal the deal.

Ancelotti, while relieved, was far from satisfied. "The tie was evenly matched, and a mistake could have been costly," he said. "We played better as the game went on and had our chances, but we need to sharpen up, especially with Arsenal waiting."

The Gunners now loom large as Real Madrid aim to keep their European dream alive.

Following the match, Real Madrid posted on X: "Through to the quarters! A hard-fought win against a tough rival, now we focus on what's next. Hala Madrid!" Meanwhile, Rudiger shared his thoughts, posting: "Never easy, but we fight until the end. Onto the next one!"

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