UCL: Atlético Madrid advances to quarter-finals in thrilling penalty victory over Inter Milan

Atletico Madrid secured their spot in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) quarter-finals after beating last season’s finalists Inter Milan 3-2 on penalties following a 2-2 draw on aggregate at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday night.

About 33 minutes into the encounter, Inter Milan extended their one-goal home lead when Federico Dimarco leveraged Nicolò Barella’s sublime delivery to send his strike past Jan Oblak.

Two minutes later, Antoine Griezmann drew Atlético Madrid level to increase the Mattress Makers’ hopes of a comeback as the halftime break approached.

Atlético’s resilience and home advantage eventually proved crucial as substitute Memphis Depay levelled the aggregate score in the 87th minute with a stunning strike from Koke’s pass.

The goals then dried up from both sides, leading to a tense penalty shootout at the Metropolitao.

Oblak emerged as the hero for Atlético, making crucial saves to deny Alexis Sánchez and Davy Klaassen, while Lautaro Martínez’s miss sealed Atlético’s qualification.

This victory also sees Diego Simeone join the ranks of Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola as the only managers to record the fewest defeats (5) in their first 50 UEFA Champions League home games.

Fewest defeats in their first 50 Champions League home games as manager:

◉ 5 – José Mourinho
◉ 5 – Pep Guardiola
◉ 5 – Diego Simeone

El Cholo equals two of his former rivals. 💪#UCL pic.twitter.com/4G1TXHEEps

— Squawka (@Squawka) March 13, 2024