Real Madrid took a crucial step toward the Champions League quarterfinals with a 2-1 victory over city rivals Atletico at the Santiago Bernabéu. The match, more about moments of brilliance than fluid play, saw Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz find the net for the hosts, while Alvarez briefly gave Atletico hope with a stunning equalizer.
Despite their superior individual talent, Carlo Ancelotti’s side struggled at times to impose their rhythm, allowing Diego Simeone’s team to dominate possession for long stretches. The visitors looked more structured and disciplined, while Real relied on flashes of quality from their stars—though both Vinicius and Mbappé had an underwhelming night.
The game exploded into action early, with Rodrygo breaking the deadlock in the 4th minute. Valverde’s exquisite through ball found the Brazilian, who cut inside and curled an unstoppable shot past Oblak. Real nearly doubled their lead through Vinicius, but Atletico grew into the game and equalized in the 32nd minute. Alvarez, positioned on the left edge of the box, unleashed a sublime curling effort into the top corner.
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Atletico started the second half in control, but Real struck at the perfect moment. In the 55th minute, Brahim Diaz weaved his way into the box, dribbled past Gimenez, and slotted the ball into the bottom corner to restore Los Blancos’ lead. From there, Madrid tightened up defensively, while Atletico struggled to create clear chances. In stoppage time, Mbappé missed a key opportunity to set up Vinicius for a third goal. The second leg at the Wanda Metropolitano next Wednesday promises to be an intense battle.
Arsenal delivered a statement win in Eindhoven, dismantling PSV 7-1. Goals came from Timber, Nwaneri, Merino, Odegaard (twice), Trossard, and Calafiori, while Lang netted PSV’s lone consolation goal.
In Germany, Borussia Dortmund were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Lille. Adeyemi opened the scoring for the hosts in the first half, but Haraldsson leveled for the French side after the break.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa secured a 3-1 victory away at Club Brugge in the early kickoff. Goals from Bailey, Asensio (penalty), and an own goal by Mechele sealed the win, with Maxim De Cuyper briefly equalizing for the Belgian side.
