Champions League thriller: Real edges Atlético on penalties as VAR steps in with stunning decision

The latest round of UEFA Champions League matches delivered yet another night of gripping drama, though the quality of football left much to be desired. The highly anticipated Madrid derby between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid, held at the iconic Wanda Metropolitano stadium, kicked off with a bang—a goal after just 28 seconds—but quickly fizzled into 120 minutes of uninspired play, culminating in a tense penalty shootout that saw Real Madrid advance to the quarter-finals with a 4-2 victory.

The match began explosively when Atlético’s lightning-fast counterattack caught Real’s defense off guard, with striker Álvaro Morata finding the net in under half a minute, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. However, the early promise faded as both teams struggled to maintain momentum, producing a lackluster performance that stretched into extra time without further scoring. Fans and analysts alike expressed disappointment at the subpar display from two of Europe’s footballing giants, with the deadlock only broken by the drama of penalties.

The shootout provided the excitement the match had lacked, but not without controversy. Atlético’s Julián Álvarez stepped up for their second penalty attempt, slipped mid-kick, yet still managed to send the ball soaring into the top corner of the net. The Atlético bench erupted in celebration, believing they had leveled the score. However, after Real Madrid’s subsequent successful penalty—calmly converted by Luka Modrić—VAR officials intervened. Following a tense review, they ruled that Álvarez had touched the ball twice during his slip, violating penalty kick regulations. The goal was disallowed, leaving Atlético trailing 2-1 in the shootout.

The decision stunned commentators, spectators, and even some players, many of whom failed to immediately register the call. Confusion briefly reigned on the pitch as Atlético’s players processed the shift in momentum. Real Madrid capitalized on the setback, with Federico Valverde and Vinícius Júnior confidently scoring their attempts, while Atlético’s Saúl Ñíguez saw his shot saved by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The final tally of 4-2 sealed Real’s advancement, sparking wild celebrations among the visiting fans.

Despite the victory, Spanish media outlets were quick to criticize Real Madrid’s overall performance, with headlines decrying their lack of flair and reliance on penalties to progress. “A win is a win, but this was far from the Galácticos we expect,” wrote Marca columnist Juan Pérez. Atlético, meanwhile, lamented the VAR decision that shifted the tide, with manager Diego Simeone calling it “a harsh blow in a match we fought to control.”

Real Madrid now awaits their quarter-final opponent, while Atlético turns their focus to domestic challenges, left to rue what might have been in a night defined by fine margins and VAR drama.