JUDE BELLINGHAM and the current European champions are preparing to face Arsenal in the quarter-finals after a thrilling derby win for Real Madrid.
Conor Gallagher managed to score an incredible equalizer just 27 seconds after kickoff, but Atletico Madrid failed to secure victory against their traditional rivals.
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Real Madrid found themselves in a difficult situation, especially after Vinicius Junior squandered a crucial penalty during regular time.
However, they fought back during the shootout, a scene synonymous with their rivalry against Atletico, despite a few questionable calls.
Julian Alvarez slipped while attempting his penalty, a matter that was swiftly reviewed by VAR.
The shootout continued until his attempt was disallowed for a double touch, as ruled by VAR.
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Even amidst the turmoil, the assistant referee’s decision left many fans puzzled.
Jan Oblak managed to save a strike from Real’s Lucas Vazquez, but then his teammate Marcos Llorente hit the crossbar.
This created an opening for Antonio Rudiger to score the pivotal goal, successfully sneaking it past Oblak, allowing Atletico fans to grapple with the repercussions of VAR.
The enthusiastic applause from Atletico’s supporters, who saluted their team despite the defeat, was evident at the match’s beginning.
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The atmosphere was electric just half a minute into the match when Gallagher found the net.
Atletico’s determination was evident at that moment. After Antoine Griezmann intercepted the ball in Real’s half, he passed it to the right where Rodrigo De Paul sent in a cross.
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Guiliano Simeone, the manager’s son, couldn’t connect properly, but the rebound allowed Gallagher to slot it in during just his second start in the last eleven matches.
Real started to find their rhythm but didn’t appear particularly threatening. Atletico controlled the match with their intensity and aggression.
This level of intensity raised growing concerns.
However, they maintained that drive after the break, continuing to disrupt Real and craft chances.
The 15-time champions appeared to struggle, marked by Vinicius’s poor penalty attempt.
The moment Kylian Mbappe – who had been sidelined until this match – found space, he was fouled by Lenglet, resulting in a penalty.
Yet, visibly frustrated after missing out on the Ballon d’Or, his Brazilian teammate blasted his shot high over the bar.
This was a significant setback, but they remained level in the tie.
Atletico pressed for a winner during regular time, with Simeone and Griezmann both attempting long-range shots. Substitute Angel Correa shot over the bar in the 90th minute when he could have squared to a teammate.
As had been the case in their last six cup meetings, extra time was required – though both teams seemed to be playing for penalties as the game progressed.
Bellingham, who had not made a notable impact, successfully converted his penalty, joining Mbappe, Fede Valverde, and Rudiger in sending the holders through.
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