Real Madrid celebrated their victory in the penalty shootout. © APA/afp / THOMAS COEX

Real beats Atletico: Penalty thriller in the Madrid derby

Real Madrid reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League thanks to Antonio Rüdiger in the penalty shootout against Atlético Madrid.

March 13, 2025

From: tu/apa/dpa

The defending champions beat their city rivals 4-2 on penalties, with German international Rüdiger scoring the decisive goal with a bit of luck. Rüdiger had already been the celebrated hero last season as the last Real Madrid scorer in the quarterfinals' penalty shootout win against Manchester City. Real had won the first leg 2-1.

Atlético was frustrated by a disallowed goal in the penalty shootout. Julian Alvarez's attempt was disallowed because he slipped and, according to the referees, touched the ball twice.

Atletico hung their heads. © APA/afp / JAVIER SORIANO

Atlético equalized the one-goal deficit from the first leg after just 27 seconds when Conor Gallagher scored for the hosts. According to data provider Opta, it was the fastest goal in the club's Champions League history.

In the 70th minute, Vinícius Júnior had a great chance to put Madrid back in the lead on aggregate. But the Brazilian attacking star fired a penalty kick over the bar. The score remained 1-0 for Atletico, and the match was decided in Real's favor on the penalty spot.

Dortmund with a feat of strength

Borussia Dortmund has preserved its last chance of winning the title this season by reaching the quarterfinals of the Champions League. Coach Niko Kovac's team beat OSC Lille 2-1 (0-1) last night despite an early deficit and can now look forward to a quarterfinal clash against FC Barcelona.

Dormtund is happy about advancing. © ANSA / YOAN VALAT

BVB fell behind after a serious mistake by goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, conceding a goal by Jonathan David in the 5th minute. But thanks to goals from Emre Can (54th minute/penalty) and Maximilian Beier (65th minute), the visitors turned the game around and secured their place in the next round.

English without problems

English clubs Arsenal and Aston Villa easily reached the quarterfinals of the Champions League. Arsenal, after their 7-1 first-leg victory at PSV Eindhoven, had a tough time this time, but still comfortably advanced with a 2-2 (2-1) draw. Villa gave Club Bruges little chance in their 3-0 (0-0) victory in the round of 3 second leg, having already won the first leg 1-XNUMX. The club will face Paris Saint-Germain in the quarterfinals.

The results

OSC Lille – Borussia Dortmund 1:2
Goals: 1:0 David (5th), 1:1 Can (54th), 1:2 Beier (65th)
Final score: 2:3

Aston Villa – FC Brugge 3-0
Goals: 1-0 Asensio (50th), 1-0 Maatsen (57th), 3-0 Asensio (61st)
Final score: 6:1

Atletico Madrid - Real Madrid 1:1
Goals: 1-0 Gallagher (1.), decisive penalty Rüdiger
Final score: 2:3

Arsenal FC – PSV Eindhoven 2-2
Goals: 1:0 Zinchenko (6th), 1:1 Perisic (18th), 2:1 Rice (38th), 2:2 Driouech (70th)
Final score: 9:1