The Round of 16 of the Champions League brings back the excitement with Europe's top club competition, featuring two crucial matches on Wednesday. Anticipate thrilling encounters, showcasing top-tier talent and suspense.
Follow the intense action as Atlético Madrid endeavors to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Inter Milan, and Borussia Dortmund hosts PSV following their 1-1 draw in the initial leg.
In a riveting showdown, Atlético Madrid clinched victory over Inter Milan via a nerve-wracking penalty shootout, securing their berth in the Champions League quarter-finals after a captivating clash ended 2-2 on aggregate on Wednesday.
Initially trailing due to Inter's 1-0 lead in the first leg at home, Atletico seemed destined for elimination when Inter took the lead at the Metropolitano. However, Atletico mounted a spirited comeback, forcing the match into penalties.
Jan Oblak's crucial saves from Alexis Sanchez and Davy Klaassen, coupled with Inter's Yann Sommer denying Saúl Ñíguez, set the stage for Lautaro Martínez. Unfortunately for Inter, Martínez missed his penalty, paving the way for Atletico's 3-2 shootout victory following a 2-1 win for the Spanish side in extra time.
Despite Inter's opener by Federico Dimarco in the 33rd minute, Atletico swiftly responded through Antoine Griezmann two minutes later, with Memphis Depay's late strike extending the contest to extra time.
Both teams had opportunities to secure victory in extra time, but it was Diego Simeone's resilient side that ultimately prevailed, eliminating last season's finalists from the competition.
Atletico's failure to register a single shot on target in the first leg at San Siro was swiftly forgotten as they launched an aggressive start fueled by their fervent home crowd in Madrid.
Although Inter struck first with Nicolò Barella's setup leading to Dimarco's goal, reducing Atletico's aggregate deficit to 2-0, the hosts responded promptly. Koke's well-placed pass found Griezmann, who clinically converted from close range.
Despite Inter's Martinez creating golden opportunities, Atletico seized the moment, with Koke once again providing the assist for Depay's decisive strike.
A chance to seal victory before extra time went amiss for Atletico when Rodrigo Riquelme failed to capitalize on Griezmann's setup, leaving Simeone visibly frustrated on the sidelines.
The subsequent penalty shootout brought jubilation for Atletico and emotional scenes as Simeone triumphed over his former club and ex-teammate Simone Inzaghi.
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