Champions League Thriller: Gallagher Scores as Atletico Madrid Edge Real Madrid to Penalties

Match Overview

On March 13, 2025, the Riyadh Air Metropolitano turned into a battleground for the two capital clubs. Atletico Madrid entered the second leg trailing 0-0 from the first encounter, but a swift opening spell changed the script. Mid‑season signing Conor Gallagher, who had struggled for minutes at Chelsea before moving to Spain, broke his goal drought with a low‑driven finish in the 27th minute. The strike slipped under Thibaut Courtois after a tight exchange of passes between Diego Simeone’s side, giving the visitors a precious lead.

Real Madrid pressed hard after the break, fielding veteran Luka Modrić in a deeper role to dictate tempo. Despite several chances — a header from Vinícius Júnior that clipped the crossbar and a powerful volley by Karim Benzema that was saved by Jan Oblak — the hosts held firm. The disciplined defensive shape, anchored by João Cancelo and Rodrigo De Paul, limited the Spaniards to long‑range efforts.

The match finished 1-0, but the aggregate score remained dead‑locked at 1-1 because Real had won the first leg 1-0 at the Metropolitano. As per UEFA regulations, the tie moved directly to a penalty shootout after regular time, with extra time omitted.

• Gallagher’s goal: 27th minute, low finish from outside the box.
• Key Real miss: Benzema’s effort saved by Oblak in the 68th minute.
• Penalty shootout: Atletico 4‑3 Real.

Penalty Shootout Drama

The shootout showcased the nerves of both squads. Atletico’s first taker, Álvaro Morata, slotted his penalty confidently, putting pressure on the Bernabéu side. Real responded with a calm strike from Marco Asensio, keeping them level. The turning point came when Real’s seasoned penalty specialist, Luka Modrić, saw his attempt saved by Oblak, who guessed the low placement perfectly.

Atletico’s final kicker, young winger Alejandro Balde, secured the victory with a composure beyond his years, sending the crowd into a roar. The win catapulted Los Colchoneros into the quarter‑finals of the Champions League, while Real Madrid’s campaign ended earlier than expected, prompting intense media scrutiny of Carlo Ancelotti’s tactics.

Post‑match, Gallagher praised the team’s collective effort, noting that “every minute we fought for every ball, and the penalty shootout was a test of character for both clubs.” Simeone highlighted the importance of squad depth, pointing to Gallagher’s impact as evidence that his recruitment strategy is paying off.

With the quarter‑final draw looming, Atletico now prepares for a possible clash with either a German heavyweight or a French side, while Real must regroup ahead of the domestic league and Copa del Rey contests.