In a nerve-wracking encounter at the Metropolitano Stadium, Atletico Madrid secured their spot in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals after edging past Inter Milan in a tense penalty shootout. With tears of joy in his eyes, Atletico’s head coach Diego Simeone witnessed a jubilant celebration from the fans as his team triumphed in a nail-biting encounter.
The match saw Atletico Madrid prepare for their 23rd Champions League knockout rounds tie, with Simeone at the helm for an impressive 21 of those ties. Moments before the decisive penalty shootout, Simeone could be seen pacing anxiously on the sidelines, unable to watch as his team battled against Inter Milan.
The shootout proved to be a test of nerves, with Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak emerging as the hero with two crucial saves, while Inter’s Lautaro Martínez faltered, sending his shot over the crossbar. Reflecting on the intense showdown, Simeone remarked, “It was moving. I’m happy for the players and for the fans. We are among the best eight teams in Europe again. That tells a lot about this club.”
Oblak, speaking after the match, acknowledged the element of luck in penalty shootouts but emphasized the importance of securing the victory. “What matters is the victory and that we made it to the quarterfinals,” he stated, reflecting on his pivotal role in Atletico’s advancement.
Memphis Depay, Rodrigo Riquelme, and Angel Correa were the heroes for Atletico as they confidently converted their penalties, securing a thrilling victory over the Italian giants. Despite Saul Niguez’s penalty being saved by Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer, Atletico’s resilience shone through as they clinched the win.
The victory marked a significant turnaround for Atletico, who had suffered a 1-0 loss in the first leg before Depay’s late goal in regulation secured a 2-1 win for Simeone’s side. Inter Milan, who had enjoyed a formidable winning streak coming into the match, faced disappointment despite their early lead courtesy of Federico Dimarco’s goal.
With their Champions League journey continuing, Atletico Madrid now set their sights on the quarterfinals, where they will join the likes of Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, and others in the quest for European glory. As the excitement builds, Atletico’s resilient performance against Inter Milan serves as a testament to their determination and ambition on the continental stage.
