NEW DELHI:
Atletico Madrid
secured a
quarter-final
berth after a gripping clash with
Inter Milan
, culminating in a dramatic penalty shootout in a pulsating
Champions League
showdown. The contest, which ended 2-2 on aggregate after extra time, saw Atletico emerge victorious with a 3-2 shootout triumph.
Atletico looked to be on their way out after Inter took the lead at the Metropolitano, but they hit back and found a way to take it to penalties.
Atletico's goalkeeper
Jan Oblak
’s heroic saves played a pivotal role in the shootout drama.
The tension was palpable as Oblak denied crucial spot-kicks from Alexis Sanchez and Davy Klaassen, keeping Atletico's hopes alive. Inter's Yann Sommer also made a significant save, denying Saul Niguez. However, it was Lautaro Martinez's missed penalty that ultimately sealed Atletico's progression.
"I always say that penalty shootouts, in the end, they are a bit about luck," Oblak told Movistar+. "Luckily today I could save them, but what is important is the victory and that we are through to the quarters."
The match unfolded in a seesaw fashion, with Inter initially taking the lead through Federico Dimarco's strike in the 33rd minute. However, Atletico swiftly responded with Antoine Griezmann finding the net just two minutes later, setting the stage for an enthralling encounter.
Both teams had opportunities to seize victory in extra time, but it was
Diego Simeone
's Atletico side that demonstrated composure when it mattered most. Memphis Depay's late goal forced the tie into a shootout, where Atletico held their nerve to clinch the win.
Reflecting on the match, Inter manager Simone Inzaghi lamented missed chances that could have altered the outcome. "Tonight, once we found the lead, we should have been more careful... and instead, we put Atletico and their fans back in the game," he commented to Amazon Prime.
The victory was particularly poignant for Atletico manager Diego Simeone, who was visibly moved after defeating his former club and ex-teammate Inzaghi. The result sees Atletico Madrid advance in their quest for Champions League glory, while Inter Milan bow out of the competition after a hard-fought battle.
(With inputs from Reuters)
English (US) ·