Atletico Madrid secured a dramatic victory over Inter Milan on penalties to progress to the Champions League quarter-finals, eliminating last season’s runners-up.
After both legs ended 2-2 on aggregate at the conclusion of extra time, Atletico emerged triumphant despite Inter initially holding a two-goal advantage.
The hero of the hour was Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak, who saved penalties from Alexis Sanchez and Davy Klaassen, while Inter’s Lautaro Martinez missed his spot-kick, allowing the Spanish side to advance in thrilling fashion.
The draw for the quarter-finals will take place at 11:00 GMT on Friday, 15 March. Atletico Madrid could potentially face Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Paris St-Germain, Real Madrid, or Borussia Dortmund, the latter having secured victory over PSV Eindhoven in Wednesday’s other tie.
Two Champions League shootouts in two days
Inter, who suffered a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in last season’s final, took the first spot-kick in the shootout, but Jan Oblak thwarted two of the initial three attempts he faced. Atletico’s Saul Niguez also faltered, with Yann Sommer denying his attempt.
Yet, Memphis Depay, Rodrigo Riquelme, and Angel Correa all successfully converted their penalties for Atletico, propelling them into the quarter-finals and completing a remarkable comeback.
Serie A frontrunners Inter secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg in Italy and appeared to be on course for progression when they extended their aggregate lead through Federico Dimarco’s swift finish after Nicolo Barella’s setup on the left.
However, Atletico swiftly responded, leveling the score on the night just two minutes later.
Koke’s delivery wasn’t cleared, Benjamin Pavard miscued his clearance, and Antoine Griezmann pounced first, reigniting hopes of a memorable turnaround.
Substitute Depay rattled the post for Atletico as they pushed for the crucial goal.
Their efforts were rewarded when Depay’s angled effort nestled into the bottom corner in the 87th minute, much to the joy of the fervent home supporters.
Another substitute, Riquelme, squandered a golden opportunity to clinch victory, blazing his effort over in injury time, leading to extra time, where neither side managed to find the decisive goal before the tension-filled shootout.
Before this week, the Champions League hadn’t witnessed a penalty shootout since the 2016 final, where Real Madrid triumphed over Atletico.
Now, two shootouts in two days have unfolded, with Arsenal also prevailing over Porto in similar fashion at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
Wasteful Inter lose for first time in 2024
Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid currently hold the fourth spot in La Liga, trailing leaders Real Madrid by 14 points, and were recently ousted by Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
Despite never clinching the European Cup or Champions League, suffering defeats in the final in 1974, 2014, and 2016, Atletico kept their aspirations alive this season by becoming the first team to overcome Inter in 2024.
Under the guidance of coach Simone Inzaghi, Inter has showcased exceptional form, commanding a 16-point lead at the summit of Serie A as they eye their 20th domestic league title.
Considering their formidable form and the lead they held, Inzaghi’s side was expected to progress comfortably in this encounter.
However, despite holding a 2-0 advantage, Inter succumbed to elimination and squandered two golden opportunities to seal victory in regulation time.
Both Marcus Thuram and Barella missed clear-cut chances when through on goal against Jan Oblak, and their failure to capitalize proved costly as Atletico held their composure in the shootout, securing their berth in the upcoming draw on Friday.