Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez had a dramatic penalty disallowed in the shootout as Real Madrid edged past their city rivals to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.
Real will now face Arsenal in the last eight, keeping their hopes alive for a record-extending 16th title.
The match remained deadlocked through extra time after Conor Gallagher’s early strike—just 27 seconds in—leveled the tie on aggregate following Real’s 2-1 first-leg victory.
With the game undecided, a penalty shootout ensued. After the first three spot-kicks were converted, former Manchester City forward Álvarez stepped up for Atlético’s second attempt. However, he slipped while striking the ball, which still found the net. Initially awarded, the goal was later overturned by VAR, ruling that Álvarez had made contact twice.
Fede Valverde then extended Real’s lead to 3-1. Although Atlético’s keeper Jan Oblak saved Lucas Vázquez’s penalty to keep hopes alive, Marcos Llorente struck the crossbar. Antonio Rüdiger eventually sealed Real’s victory, squeezing home the decisive penalty.
