Real Madrid and Barcelona have secured their place in the quarterfinals of the Champions League after eliminating Atlético de Madrid and Benfica, respectively. Ancelotti’s side will face Arsenal in the next round, while Barcelona will go up against Borussia Dortmund, last season’s runner-up.
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Real Madrid vs. Atlético de Madrid
The match lived up to all expectations: excitement, tension, and a touch of controversy. Just 30 seconds into the game, Atlético took the lead with a well-executed play down the right flank. Conor Gallagher capitalized on a loose ball in the box to beat Courtois and ignite the home crowd at the Metropolitano.
With the aggregate score level at 2-2, the match turned into a tactical battle, with both teams prioritizing defensive solidity. Real Madrid struggled to create clear chances, while Atlético looked more dangerous going forward, forcing Courtois into several saves, though none too troubling.
In the second half, substitutions and fatigue opened up the game. In the 70th minute, Kylian Mbappé produced a brilliant solo run before being brought down by Lenglet inside the box. Penalty! The Madrid fans erupted in celebration. But luck was not on their side, as Vinícius sent his spot-kick high over the crossbar. Poor performance from the Brazilian, who was not at his usual level for a player of his caliber and was even substituted in extra time by Ancelotti to keep the team fresher.
The match turned into an end-to-end battle until full-time. Extra time followed the same script, with Ángel Correa coming close twice, but fate had already decided the game would be settled by penalties. The entire stadium was roaring in support of their team, and the fans braced themselves for a moment of intense tension.
From the spot, Mbappé and Sorloth converted their penalties. Then came the controversy: Julián Álvarez scored, but as he struck the ball, he slipped, making accidental double contact, leading to the goal being disallowed. Despite Lucas Vázquez missing his attempt, Atlético couldn’t capitalize, as Marcos Llorente hit the crossbar. Rüdiger stepped up for the decisive penalty and calmly slotted it in, sealing Real Madrid’s qualification and sending Atlético into despair.
Barcelona vs. Benfica
For Barcelona, it was a comfortable night at Montjuïc. With the first-leg advantage in hand, Flick’s men played with confidence and pressed forward from the start. Raphinha opened the scoring after a brilliant assist from Lamine Yamal.
Benfica briefly ignited hope with a Nicolás Otamendi goal from a corner, but Lamine Yamal extinguished any doubt with a stunning long-range strike into the top corner. Just before halftime, Raphinha struck again, finishing off a counterattack led by Alejandro Balde.
The second half was merely a formality. Barcelona controlled the tempo, creating a few chances but showing no real urgency to extend their lead. With a dominant performance throughout the tie, the Blaugrana secured their spot in the quarterfinals in convincing fashion.
Other round of 16 matches
There was one major surprise in the round of 16: PSG eliminated Liverpool at Anfield, winning on penalties. Ousmane Dembélé scored the only goal of the match to level the aggregate score, while Donnarumma became the hero in the shootout.
Borussia Dortmund also had a tough task but managed to edge Lille 2-1 in France. Bayern, Inter, Arsenal, and Aston Villa capitalized on their first-leg advantages to book their places in the next round.
The quarterfinals are now set: Arsenal vs. Real Madrid and PSG vs. Aston Villa in the top half of the draw, while Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich vs. Inter will battle it out in the bottom half. High-stakes clashes await in a Champions League that promises even more drama, with the tantalizing possibility of a Real Madrid vs. Barcelona final still alive.
