Real Madrid knocked rivals Atletico Madrid out of the Champions League after a controversial penalty shoot-out that saw Julian Alvarez’s successful effort ruled out by VAR.
Alvarez scored Atletico’s second penalty of the shoot-out but slipped as he connected with the ball. Seconds passed with Atletico believing Alvarez had scored, but a VAR review found that Alvarez had touched the ball with both feet as he slipped.
Although Real Madrid’s Lucas Vazquez missed the next effort, Real Madrid won the shoot-out after Marcos Llorente missed and Antonio Rudiger squeezed the final effort past Jan Oblak.
Conor Gallagher’s goal inside the opening minute cancelled out Real Madrid’s 2-1 win in the Bernabeu, and the tie remained level when Vinicius Jr blazed a penalty over the bar.
Real Madrid, who continued their winning streak against Atletico in the Champions League, will play Arsenal in the quarter-finals as they continue their title defence.
Follow live updates from Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid in our live blog below
Atletico vs Real Madrid LIVE: Latest Champions League updates
- FULL TIME! Real Madrid beat Atletico in controversial penalty shoot-out
- Julian Alvarez penalty disallowed after slip: Real Madrid win 4-2 on pens
- PENALTIES! Shoot-out to determine winner after 2-2 draw on aggregate
- EXTRA TIME! Gallagher's goal and Vini Jr's miss see tie go through to extra time
- 70' MISSED PENALTY! Vini Jr skies spot-kick after Mbappe fouled [ATM 1-0 RMA]
- 1' GOAL! Gallagher pokes home inside 30 seconds to level the tie [ATM 1-0 RMA]
Why was Julian Alvarez’s penalty disallowed by VAR? Atletico-Real Madrid controversy explained
23:26 , Jamie BraidwoodReal Madrid continued the curse on city rivals Atletico Madrid in the Champions League with a controversial penalty shoot-out that brought a VAR intervention.
The holders advanced to the quarter-finals, where they will play Arsenal, on a night of drama at the Metropolitano that will have enraged the hosts and manager Diego Simeone.
Why was Alvarez’s penalty disallowed? Atletico-Real Madrid controversy explained
Heartbreak for Atletico as Real Madrid superiority continues
23:20 , Will Castle
Real Madrid through after hugely controversial shootout
23:00 , Will CastleAtletico were the better side tonight, no doubt about that.
But at the end of the day, a slip on the spot proved the difference. Julian Alvarez’s freak penalty miskick chalked a vital score off for the hosts as they fell to their richer neighbours once more.
Can’t help but feel bad for Diego Simeone’s side. But it’s Real Madrid that will take on Arsenal in the Champions League quarters.
REAL MADRID WIN THE SHOOTOUT! Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid (Real Madrid win 2-4 on penalties)
22:45 , Will CastleREAL ARE THROUGH TO THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTER-FINALS!
Jan Oblak goes the right way and gets a hell of lot on Rudiger’s penalty, but it has too much power and creeps over the line.
Controversial, dramatic, heartbreaking for Atleti who will feel they have been subject to an injustice.
But once again, Real have got one over on their city neighbours.
SHOOTOUT: Atletico Madrid 2-3 Real Madrid
22:44 , Will CastleToni Rudiger for the win...
SHOOTOUT: Atletico Madrid 2-3 Real Madrid
22:43 , Will CastleLlorente to equalise for Atleti...
AND HE HITS THE UNDERSIDE OF THE BAR! REAL MADRID CAN WIN IT WITH THE NEXT KICK!
SHOOTOUT: Atletico Madrid 2-3 Real Madrid
22:43 , Will CastleLucas Vazquez scores this and Atletico will have to score their next penalty...
AND OBLAK HAS SAVED IT!
SHOOTOUT: Atletico Madrid 2-3 Real Madrid
22:42 , Will CastleCorrea needs to score this...
And he does - JUST about.
SHOOTOUT: Atletico Madrid 1-3 Real Madrid
22:42 , Will CastleIt’s gone from bad to worse for Atleti as Valverde tucks away his penalty.
Drama at the Metropolitano.
SHOOTOUT: Atletico Madrid 1-2 Real Madrid
22:41 , Will CastleAND ALVAREZ’S PENALTY HAS BEEN CHALKED OFF!
SHOOTOUT: Atletico Madrid 2-2 Real Madrid
22:41 , Will CastleThere’s a VAR check for Alvarez’s penalty - it looks like he might have touched it twice.
SHOOTOUT: Atletico Madrid 2-2 Real Madrid
22:40 , Will CastleJulian Alvarez steps up...
He slips - but his shot fortunately goes into the roof of the net rather than the stands.
SHOOTOUT: Atletico Madrid 1-2 Real Madrid
22:39 , Will CastleJude Bellingham next...
And into the same corner!
SHOOTOUT: Atletico Madrid 1-1 Real Madrid
22:38 , Will CastleAlexander Sorloth is making the long walk next...
Smashes it in. No saving them.
SHOOTOUT: Atletico Madrid 0-1 Real Madrid
22:37 , Will CastleMbappe is ok to take a penalty and is stepping up first...
He slots it to the keeper’s right. Perfect start.
PENALTIES! Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
22:36 , Will CastleKylian Mbappe looks like he might have an issue here.
We’ll see if he takes a spot-kick. He’ll surely want to.
PENALTIES! Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
22:35 , Will CastleThe Madrid derby goes to penalties, just like it did in the 2016 Champions League final.
Conor Gallagher gave Atleti a first-minute advantage that has been preserved for the last 119 minutes, and it’ll now take spot-kicks to decide who faces Arsenal in the quarter-finals.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
22:33 , Will Castle120 mins: The clock is ticking over.
It’s going to be penalties barring a one late moment of magic.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
22:31 , Will Castle118 mins: Half-chance for Atleti as Llorente comes onto the bouncing ball on the edge of the box.
He shins the half-volley wide.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
22:29 , Will Castle116 mins: Well, well, well.
We wondered if Vinicius Jr would take a penalty after his earlier miss. The answer? Definitely not.
He’s been hooked by Ancelotti, who brings on Endrick.
Vinicius has not had a good night. The ignominy of being subbed before the shootout will be a bit humbling for the Brazilian, whose work rate has drawn the ire of management and teammates alike this evening.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
22:28 , Will Castle114 mins: Once again, Real try and threaten from the corner. It falls to Diaz who tries to work some space but it’s pinched and Atleti try to counter.
Cynical challenge from Vazquez sees him end up in the book.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
22:23 , Will Castle110 mins: Vazquez goes deep with another corner and Rudiger heads it down. It nearly falls to Asencio but Atletico manage to clear.
Up the other end, Alvarez drives on the counter but Camavinga produces a wonderful challenge to thwart the Argentinian.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
22:21 , Will Castle108 mins: Atleti manage to scramble the corner away after Camavinga got the ball under his feet.
This is looking much more open now. Very, very tense in the Metropolitano.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
22:20 , Will Castle107 mins: Brahim Diaz misses the chance to shoot with his right but wins a corner.
Replays show it came off Diaz. Atleti will be furious if this ends in the net.
BACK UNDERWAY! Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
22:19 , Will Castle106 mins: A lot riding on this next quarter of an hour.
HALF-TIME OF EXTRA TIME! Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
22:17 , Will CastleThere’s 15 more minutes for someone to be the hero in Madrid.
Otherwise, it’s going to be penalties.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
22:16 , Will Castle105+2 mins: Lucas Vazquez wastes a good free-kick opportunity by going for goal from an impossible angle.
That’ll be that.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
22:15 , Will Castle105 mins: Vinicius Jr is getting an earful from his teammates, namely Jude Bellingham, and bench for not his drop-off in work rate.
He’s having a bad night and it’s reflective in its body language. You don’t win Ballon d’Ors playing like this, Vini.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
22:13 , Will Castle104 mins: Molina whips in a searching cross towards Sorloth but it’s too close to Courtois who collects.
Down the other end, Vinicius Jr drags it back towards white shirts on the edge of the box, but it’s Julian Alvarez who tracks back and cuts out the pass.
Seconds away from half-time of extra time.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
22:09 , Will Castle99 mins: Two BIG chances at both ends - but neither can find that finishing touch.
For the hosts, a ball is whipped towards Sorloth at the back post who gets his touch all wrong, with the it bouncing out for a goal-kick.
But it’s down the other end where a goal should have been scored.
Fede Valverde gets space on the right of the box and puts it across the six-yard box, on a plate for any taker in white. But no-one is there.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
22:07 , Will Castle98 mins: Azpilicueta comes on after Reinildo picks up an injury.
Clement Lenglet also made way at the start of extra time, making way for compatriot Robin Le Normand.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
22:03 , Will Castle95 mins: Brahim Diaz does will to give himself half a yard and fire a shot towards Oblak.
The keeper gets down well to save.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
22:01 , Will Castle92 mins: Correa brilliantly gets in behind and tries to square it across the box for a tap in.
Rudiger slides in to get the ball out for a corner. Get that wrong and he’s slicing into his own net.
BACK UNDERWAY! Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
21:59 , Will Castle91 mins: Extra time begins.
Winner of tonight faces Arsenal in the quarter-finals
21:58 , Will CastleWe have two confirmed Champions League quarter-finalists as Arsenal and Aston Villa both did the business in their second legs, protecting their respective advantages from the first.
Whoever wins here in Madrid will take on Arsenal in the quarters.
EXTRA TIME! Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
21:53 , Will CastleAtletico have done enough to send this through to extra time.
Conor Gallagher’s first-minute goal proved pivotal, with Vincius Jr botching a major chance to win it for Real as he blazed over from the spot.
We’ve got 30 more minutes, plus penalties if needed. Don’t go anywhere.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
21:51 , Will Castle90+3 mins: Rodrigo De Paul goes down twice in the space of a minute with cramp. That’ll be his night over.
Molina on in his stead.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
21:49 , Will Castle90+1 mins: FOUR minutes of added time have been indicated.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
21:49 , Will Castle90 mins: CLOSE! That would have been some introduction for Correa.
He chases the ball down and flicks it over his man in the box before unleashing a half-volley that flies just over the bar.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
21:48 , Will Castle89 mins: Simeone chases a ball and is brought down by Fran Garcia, referee has none of it and says play on, despite appeals from player and crowd alike.
That’s Simeone’s last action as he comes off for Correa. Sorloth is also on for Griezmann.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
21:45 , Will Castle86 mins: Samuel Lino is on for Atleti in place of tonight’s goalscorer Conor Gallagher. Some night for the Englishman.
Lino immediately gets involved and drills an effort goalwards, but it’s straight down the throat of Courtois.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
21:44 , Will Castle85 mins: Real Madrid whip in a free-kick that is met by Bellingham - his looping header falls to a man in white before Diaz takes it up.
The Moroccan tries to beat his man but is thwarted before Vazquez runs it out of play.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
21:41 , Will Castle83 mins: This looks like an injury blow for Real Madrid as Mendy goes down holding his thigh. Appears to be a muscle issue.
Fran Garcia will come on in a like-for-like change.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
21:40 , Will Castle80 mins: The other game of interest to Madrid citizens is level as PSV equalise against Arsenal.
Of course, on aggregate, it changes very little. It’s now 9-3 in favour of the Gunners, who will face one these teams in the quarters.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
21:38 , Will Castle78 mins: Atletico won’t like who is coming on for Real.
Brahim Diaz enters the fray for Rodrigo. He was the difference-maker in the first leg and has scored three goals in his last five against them.
A thorn in their side.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
21:35 , Will Castle76 mins: Real Madrid aren’t out of heart just yet.
Vinicius gets to the byline and dinks back towards on-rushing men in white. Vazquez heads towards goal but it’s comfortable for Oblak.
Real then get acres of space to drive into but it takes a superb tackle to dispel any threat. That was celebrated like a goal by Simeone Sr.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
21:31 , Will Castle72 mins: Suddenly there’s a hell of a lot of energy in this Atleti side again.
Alvarez goes up the other end and fires towards goal, well saved again by Courtois.
PENALTY MISSED! Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
21:29 , Will Castle70 mins: PENALTY MISSED! BLAZED over by Vinicius Jr!
It’s high, it’s wide, it’s into the stands. He’s not had a good night, and it’s got even worse.
An ABYSMAL penalty - and that’s lifted the Metropolitano!
PENALTY! Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
21:28 , Will Castle68 mins: PENALTY! Real Madrid have a spot-kick, and it’s ALL down to Kylian Mbappe!
He dances past Lenglet who brings him down in the area. Stonewall, and the defender is lucky not to be sent off.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
21:25 , Will Castle66 mins: Simeone is in the book for clattering into Vinicius Jr near the left touchline.
Free-kick in a dangerous area for Real Madrid, but it’s too close to Oblak who collects with ease.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
21:24 , Will Castle65 mins: Changes for Real as Tchouameni and Modric make way for Eduardo Camavinga and Lucas Vazquez.
Vazquez takes the armband.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
21:22 , Will Castle63 mins: Elsewhere, it looks like another quarter-finalist is nailed on with Aston Villa 3-0 up on 10-man Club Brugge at Villa Park - making it 6-1 on aggregate.
Marco Asensio has scored once again - two on the night for him. Real could do with goalscoring exploits right about now.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
21:20 , Will Castle60 mins: CLOSE! Clement Lenglet latches onto a free-kick conceded by Vinicius Jr for a silly challenge, and he nearly makes the Brazilian pay.
His header flashes just past the far post, with Courtois looking stranded.
Vinicius was booked for his foul.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
21:17 , Will Castle58 mins: It’s Reinildo this time who brings the ball away on the counter and makes a beeline for Real Madrid’s box.
Asencio does well to guard the ball out of play for a goal-kick.
The young Spaniard is there again when a loose ball threatens to give Atleti a run on goal, getting across and thwarting Griezmann with a sliding challenge.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
21:16 , Will Castle56 mins: Rodrygo dances into the area and fires a ball towards the edge of the six-yard box, where Bellingham is waiting.
It would be a tap in for the Englishman if not for Gimenez, who puts his body on the line to squirm it away.
Brilliant work from Rodrygo but Gimenez is there to save the day.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
21:14 , Will Castle54 mins: Simeone goes on driving run up against Mendy and gets into the box before flicking it towards the back-stick.
It’s deflected and bounces agonisingly past the Real Madrid post for a corner.
Back-to-back deliveries are whipped in but nothing comes from them.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
21:12 , Will Castle52 mins: Real Madrid tick the ball about in the Atleti half before Tchouameni receives and blazes a long-range effort into the crowd.
You felt that early goal would change the course of this game, and it absolutely has. Instead of having to push for a goal and thus open the game up, Atletico can now afford to sit back and invite Real to break them down before catching them on the counter.
So far, Real are failing in that endeavour.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
21:06 , Will Castle47 mins: Alvarez gets into shooting distance and fires an effort towards the bottom-right corner. Courtois gets down to save, palming it out wide.
Alvarez has been such a consistent shooter tonight - that’s his third shot on target.
BACK UNDERWAY! Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
21:04 , Will Castle46 mins: Huge second-half coming up as we get back underway at the Metropolitano.
HALF-TIME! Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
20:56 , Will Castle
HALF-TIME! Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
20:48 , Will CastleAtletico lead at the break and are on terms in the tie ahead of a massive 45 minutes.
The hosts achieved their first aim of earning parity within a minute of the first whistle, with Conor Gallagher poking home to an eruption inside the Metropolitano.
From there, the original planned course of the game was written off. Atleti could sit back and choose their moments, frustrating Real Madrid who despite enjoying much of the ball couldn’t create anything of note.
Julian Alvarez came the closest to adding to the scoreline as his venomous effort was palmed away by a strong Thibaut Courtois hand.
Carlo Ancelotti needs to change things up at the break.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
20:47 , Will Castle45+1 mins: Alvarez goes straight for goal from the corner and Courtois is scrambling to cover, but the ball goes straight out.
That’ll be that for the first half.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
20:46 , Will Castle45 mins: Oblak jumps highest to collect a Real Madrid corner, before launching it in a split second towards Simeone who wins a corner down the other end for his side.
And the pressure flips late on in the half.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
20:44 , Will Castle42 mins: Real Madrid whip in a deep cross towards the back-post where Bellingham is waiting, along with Tchouameni.
Bellingham connects with the header but the Frenchman gets in his way, deflecting out for a goal kick.
Bellingham is fuming with his teammate.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
20:42 , Will Castle40 mins: Two more half-chances for Atleti as Alvarez’s fires a shot that’s blocked to force a corner.
Gimenez then rises highest from the resulting set-piece but his header doesn’t have the power nor direction needed.
No doubt Atletico are looking the more dangerous in this contest.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
20:40 , Will Castle39 mins: Tchouameni is the first man in the book as he dangles out a leg to stop Griezmann from sparking a counter attack.
He’ll miss the first leg of the quarter-finals should Real progress.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
20:38 , Will Castle37 mins: Another dangerous corner finds an Atleti head, but it spurs the wrong direction and Real manage to clear.
Update from the Emirates: Declan Rice has restored Arsenal’s lead on the night. Panic of a PSV fightback over, it seems.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
20:37 , Will Castle35 mins: Great touch from Griezmann as Atleti try and work something from the corner, beating his man to get space inside the box.
He fires a ball across but Courtois gets low to parry it away from the danger area.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
20:35 , Will Castle33 mins: Vinicius Jr clips Griezmann and concedes a foul about 35 yards out from goal.
They play it short and manage to force a corner.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
20:32 , Will Castle31 mins: Hopeful ball is lofted towards Bellingham into the box.
The Englishman tries to control it with a flick but he gets crowded out and nothing comes from it.
Real are being frustrated.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
20:30 , Will Castle29 mins: Kylian Mbappe clashes with Gimenez in the box - the defender claims that he was just standing his ground, and while a hurt Mbappe doesn’t win a penalty he does win a corner.
Real play it short and Rodrygo gets it on the edge of the box, but it lacks power and trickles into the arms of Oblak.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
20:27 , Will Castle26 mins: SAVE! Alvarez pounces on a loose header after Atleti lump in forward, driving past his man before firing a shot across goal inside the box.
The shot has venom but Courtois is equal to it and parries it away with a strong hand.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
20:26 , Will Castle24 mins: Real Madrid enjoying more and more of the ball in Atleti’s half but are struggling to break the red and white defensive block down to create anything of real threat.
It’s the hosts who are looking the more dangerous on the break.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
20:22 , Will Castle21 mins: Optimistic penalty appeals as Vinicius Jr swipes the ball while grounded into the arm of Simeone, which was by his side.
No penalty, correct decision.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
20:20 , Will Castle19 mins: Another goal at the Emirates as PSV level the game - of course, they’re still six away from levelling the tie.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
20:19 , Will Castle17 mins: De Paul shoots from distance but it deflects high into the air and is easily caught by Thibaut Courtois, whose involvement is met by universal jeers from the Atleti crowd.
Up the other end, Real Madrid try to fashion a chance but a shot is deflected out for a corner. The hosts manage to scramble the set piece away.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
20:16 , Will Castle14 mins: Giovanni Simeone nearly bursts a lung trying to keep the ball in play and spark a counter, before tumbling over with Bellingham in front of his dad on the touchline.
Wonder where he gets that frantic energy from.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
20:13 , Will Castle12 mins: Lovely flighted ball from Valverde towards Vinicius Jr at the back post, but the Brazilian is unable to get proper control of it and the chance goes.
Real are growing into this game after suffering an early shock.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
20:11 , Will Castle8 mins: First chance for Real Madrid to create something as Modric whips in a corner.
It comes back out to the midfielder’s whose second delivery is flapped at by Oblak - questions why he didn’t just catch it, but luckily for the keeper the danger is cleared.
In the other game of interest to those in the Metropolitano, Arsenal aren’t showing any jitters of bottling their six-goal lead - they’re 1-0 up at the Emirates.
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
20:08 , Will Castle5 mins: Caught your breath yet?
A frantic start at the Metropolitano as Atleti take gain parity in the tie in seconds.
That completely changes how this match will play out - game plans are in the bin, for Real Madrid anyway.
GOAL! Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid
20:02 , Will Castle1 min: GOAL! WOW!
It’s only taken 30 seconds for this tie to be all square. Conor Gallagher pokes home from close range after Real Madrid fail to clear.
Just like that. An INCREDIBLE start!
KICK-OFF! Atletico Madrid 0-0 Real Madrid
20:02 , Will Castle1 min: KICK-OFF! We’re underway.
Here come the teams
19:58 , Will CastleThe Metropolitano is bouncing. The derby always has a big-match feel, but the prospect of Champions League glory just amplifies that.
The players are out, the anthem is playing. Here we go.
Carlo Ancelotti says Mbappe is at '100 per cent'
19:51 , Will CastleCarlo Ancelotti has insisted that Kylian Mbappe is at full fitness for tonight’s clash, despite picking up a knock against Rayo Vallecano on the weekend.
“Yes, he's at 100 per cent,” he said ahead of kick-off.
“He had a knock on Sunday which was bothering him a bit yesterday but this morning he was well, he did tests, he did everything necessary so that he is well, he doesn't have any problem.”
Closing in on kick-off
19:50 , Will CastleWe’re just 10 minutes away from getting underway at the Metropolitano.
Atletico know they need a win if they’re to finally overcome their city rivals in the Champions League - but as we know, Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti have this competition down to a tee and will be hard oust.
The atmosphere is about to reach fever pitch as the players ready themselves in the tunnel.
Stay tuned for all the action, right here.
Elsewhere in the Champions League tonight
19:49 , Will CastleChampions League action isn’t limited to Madrid’s borders this Wednesday eve.
To the early kick-off and we’ve got our first confirmed quarter-finalist of the night as Borussia Dortmund came from behind to beat Lille 2-1 (3-1 on aggregate).
Meanwhile, the two remaining English teams are in action as Aston Villa host Club Brugge with a 3-1 advantage, while Arsenal take on PSV in a dead rubber at the Emirates - having thrashed the Dutch side 7-1 in the first leg.
A reminder that whoever comes out on top at the Metropolitano will take on the Gunners, presuming they don’t throw away their six-goal lead.
Last-minute preparations in Madrid
19:45 , Will Castle
One of the two Madrid sides looking to join title rival in quarter-finals
19:40 , Will CastleIn the spirit of Cheltenham, this season’s La Liga title race has shaped up to be a three-horse race, with just a point separating the leading trio.
Atletico and Real Madrid make up two of those sides, with the third having already booked their place in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Barcelona breezed past Benfica yesterday, with 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal once again starring as the Blaugrana won 4-1 on aggregate.
Who will join Hansi Flick’s side in the last eight - and who will have the ignominy of being the horse that falls first?
Lamine Yamal leads Barcelona into Champions League quarter-finals
Liverpool are out of the Champions League but the worst could be yet to come
19:30 , Will CastleA treble evaporates for Liverpool , and a double may yet go with it. This penalty shoot-out defeat to Paris Saint-Germain after a 1-0 loss didn’t just cost them a place in the Champions League quarter-final, but also a series of defenders for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle.
Ibrahima Konate and Trent Alexander-Arnold are now in doubt, in developments that may end up the most significant of the night beyond elimination. Arne Slot admitted he’d be “surprised” if the right-back starts.
Liverpool have to quickly pick themselves up, after a deflating elimination that currently feels like the first time they are slightly faltering under Slot.
Liverpool are out of the Champions League but the worst could be yet to come
Can Atletico finally get one over on Real Madrid on the European stage?
19:20 , Will CastleThis is the sixth time the teams have met in the Champions League in the last 12 seasons and the record does not make pretty reading for Atletico Madrid
Real have come out on top in each meeting, first setting the tone in the 2014 final. Sergio Ramos netted a last-gasp equaliser in Lisbon, mere seconds before Atleti would have been crowned European champions - with their richer neighbours going on to win 4-1 after extra time.
Then came 2016 final in Milan, with Diego Simeone’s side losing on penalties. And the 2017 semi-final, when Real won 4-2 on aggregate.
Despite having been right alongside them domestically for the past decade, Atletico can never seem to do the job against their city rivals in Europe. Will that change tonight?
Arsenal’s route to Champions League final after Liverpool exit and PSV demolition
19:10 , Will CastleArsenal have more than one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals after thrashing PSV Eindhoven 7-1 in their last-16 first leg.
And they will not have to face Liverpool in the knockout stages after the Premier League leaders were knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain.
MIkel Arteta’s side became the first away team to score seven goals in a Champions League knockout tie and know they are likely to head to Madrid next with their route to the final set.
Arsenal’s route to Champions League final after Liverpool exit and PSV demolition
First leg fortunes for Real
19:00 , Will CastleReal Madrid have progressed from 21 of their last 22 Champions League ties when they’ve won the first leg, with the exception against Ajax in the last 16 in 2018-19.
Under boss Carlo Ancelotti, they’ve progressed from nine out of nine.
A draw would obviously be enough for Real to progress and if anyone knows how to do enough, it’s Ancelotti’s side, who always come alive in this competition.
Atletico Madrid team news and line-up
18:51 , Will CastleAtletico Madrid XI: Oblak; Llorente, Gimenez, Lenglet, Reinildo; Simeone, De Paul, Barrios, Gallagher; Alvarez, Griezmann.
Subs: Musso, Azpilicueta, Molina, Witsel, Galan, Le Normand, Kostis, Lemar, Lino, Riquelme, Sorloth, Correa.
It’s a full-strength team for Atleti, with a notable return coming on the bench as Cesar Azpilicueta makes his comeback from injury.
🚨 TEAM NEWS 🚨 pic.twitter.com/JHVkOeML4e
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) March 12, 2025
Atletico Madrid unshakeable at home
18:45 , Will CastleAtleti have built something of a fortress at home though and haven’t lost at either the Vicente Calderon and Metropolitano Stadium in the Champions League since a 3-2 defeat to Ajax in March 1997 and are unbeaten in 18 since, winning 11 and drawing the other seven.
They know only a win will be enough if they are to knock out the 15-time champions.
Real Madrid team news and line-up
18:40 , Jamie BraidwoodReal Madrid XI: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Tchouameni, Modric; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vini Jr; Mbappe.
Subs: Lunin, Gonzalez, Alaba, Camavinga, Guler, Endrick, Vazquez, Garcia, Diaz, Gonzalo, Jacobo, Chema.
Mbappe starts, as does Luka Modric in midfield! Jude Bellingham returns from suspension.
Julian Alvarez loving his football
18:30 , Will CastleA lot of talk is made about about Real Madrid’s immense attacking threat, with Carlo Ancelotti’s front three of Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. sure to strike fear into any defence in European football.
However, it would be a disservice not to recognise the potency of Atleti’s front line, much of which stems from frontman Julian Alvarez.
Having been resigned to playing second fiddle to Erling Haaland at Manchester City, Alvarez has been let loose since arriving in Madrid - something that’s been evident in the Champions League, notching at least one goal in each of his last five European appearances for Atlético, with six goals and one assist.
The only two Argentinean players to score or assist in six European games in a row are Claudio López, who scored six in 1999 for Valencia, and Lionel Messi, with eight in 2011-12 and six in 2014 for Barcelona. He’ll be in good company if he manages that feat tonight.
Atletico vs Real Madrid tips
18:15 , Will CastleBTTS and a draw - 7/2 BetVictor
Julian Alvarez to score or assist - 31/20 Unibet
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The latest chapter of a closely-fought rivalry
18:00 , Will CastleAtletico and Real Madrid have been on each other’s tail throughout the last decade - and that has been no more exemplified than in this season.
This will be the fourth time the two sides have met this season and it’s been hard to separate them. Both La Liga games finished 1-1 before last week’s meeting and Real have only won once at the home of their rivals since 2019.
They are only separated by one point in the league table too with Real joint top with Barcelona on 57 and Atletico sit third just a point behind them - and they have actually lost fewer games this season, just three defeats in their 27 league matches.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side might have the advantage going into tonight’s second leg, but this truly is anyone’s game.
Inside Atletico Madrid’s ‘inferiority complex’ hanging over Real Madrid tie
17:50 , Will CastleDiego Simeone is admired by players for his motivational skills above anything else, but it’s hard to know what he can say to Atletico Madrid before they step out onto the Metropolitano pitch. You’d forgive him for thinking about a moment from the same fixture when he couldn’t say anything at all.
That was the minutes after Atletico’s first meeting with Real Madrid in the modern Champions League, which was of course the 2014 final in Lisbon. There was only silence from the coach. The actions had said enough, about both clubs.
Of course, when it came right down to it, mere seconds from Atleti’s first ever Champions League trophy, Real Madrid scored a 93rd-minute equaliser. It had to be like that, the richer neighbour always going one better. Madrid won 4-1 in extra-time. “It was a lovely thing we had in our grasp,” Simeone eventually said in the post-game press conference.
Inside Atletico Madrid’s ‘inferiority complex’ hanging over Real Madrid tie
Predicted line-ups
17:40 , Will CastleAtletico Madrid XI: Oblak; Molina, Gimenez, Le Normand, Javi Galan; Simeone, Marcos Llorente, De Paul, Lino; Alvarez, Griezmann
Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Tchouameni, Camavinga; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vini Jr; Mbappe
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