Real Madrid secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over city rivals Atletico Madrid.
The intense contest saw a controversial moment when Julian Alvarez’s penalty was disallowed during the shootout due to an accidental double touch, giving Real the advantage in their quest for a record-extending 16th Champions League title.
Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher ignited the match by scoring just 27 seconds in, levelling the aggregate after Real’s 2-1 first-leg win. However, neither side managed to find a decisive goal in 120 minutes, forcing the tie into penalties.
Both teams converted their opening three penalties before Alvarez’s spot-kick was ruled out by VAR. Fede Valverde capitalized on the opportunity, giving Real a 3-1 lead.
Although Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak denied Lucas Vazquez, Marcos Llorente’s missed shot off the bar ended Atletico’s hopes. Antonio Rudiger then sealed Real’s progression, setting up a quarter-final clash with Arsenal.
Arsenal cruise past PSV, Villa, Dortmund also advance
Arsenal eased into the last eight with a dominant 9-3 aggregate victory over PSV Eindhoven. Having built a commanding 7-1 lead from the first leg, the Gunners rotated their squad at the Emirates.
Oleksandr Zinchenko opened the scoring with a stunning strike, but the tempo dropped, allowing PSV’s Ivan Perisic to equalize.
Declan Rice restored Arsenal’s lead with a header before Couhaib Driouech netted PSV’s second, ensuring a draw on the night.
Despite the subdued performance, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrated back-to-back quarter-final appearances, a feat last achieved in 2010.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa comfortably advanced after a dominant display against Club Brugge.
Leading 3-1 from the first leg, Villa took control after Brugge’s Kyriani Sabbe was sent off. Marco Asensio, making an impact off the bench, scored twice, while Ian Maatsen added another, securing Villa’s spot in the next round, where they will face Asensio’s former club, PSG.
Borussia Dortmund also booked their place in the quarter-finals with a comeback win over Lille. Jonathan David had put Lille ahead early, but Dortmund responded strongly, overturning the deficit to progress.
2024-2025 UEFA Champions League quarter-final fixtures
Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich
PSG vs Aston Villa
Arsenal vs Real Madrid
Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona