With a stunning 3-2 victory in the penalty shootout on Wednesday, Atletico Madrid defeated Inter Milan 3-2 to advance to the Champions League quarterfinals after trailing by two goals on aggregate. Atletico appeared lost after losing the first leg of the match last month when Federico Dimarco headed Inter’s opening at the Estadio Metropolitano. Atletico was behind by just one goal. However, Antoine Griezmann levelled the score for the hosts right away and Memphis Depay’s excellent low finish three minutes before the end of the normal ninety minutes sent the match into extra time at 2-2.
This set up the thrilling penalty shootout that led to Inter missing three of their five attempts at penalty shots, with star scorer Lautaro Martinez giving Atletico a chance to advance to the last eight by sending his spot-kick way off target.
Inter had won 13 consecutive games since the beginning of 2024, while Atletico had won only one of their last five. However, it was an equal and thrilling fight in the Spanish capital, with Atletico pushing hard for the win and both teams creating several opportunities.
For Atletico, who have won 19 of their 21 games at the Metropolitano in all competitions, home advantage has proven to be key.
