Atleti edge past Inter on penalties to advance to Champions League quarter-finals

Atletico Madrid secured their spot in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals following a thrilling 3-2 victory in a penalty shootout against Inter, putting an end to Inter's 13-game winning streak and unbeaten start to 2024.

This dominant Inter team, who had won all 13 of their previous matches this year, held a narrow 1-0 lead going into the second leg, with Diego Simeone welcoming his former club to Madrid.

Atletico wasted no time in trying to level the score, as Samuel Lino made a dangerous run down the left side and forced Yann Sommer into a great save.

The focus then shifted to Inter's dynamic Dutch player, Denzel Dumfries, who was denied by Jan Oblak after a fluid Nerazzurri attack. It was an intense back-and-forth match, with Alvaro Morata's header saved by Sommer following a superb cross from Mario Hermoso.

However, it was Inter who struck first, extending their lead with a devastating counterattack that ended in Federico Dimarco's clinical finish from Nicolò Barella's excellent pass.

Just as Inter seemed to be in control, some uncharacteristically sloppy defending allowed Koke's lofted pass to find Antoine Griezmann, who brilliantly found the back of the net.

The Mattress Makers wasted no time as play resumed, with Marcos Llorente finding Griezmann, who was denied by Sommer. Simone Inzaghi's team tried to slow down the game, sitting back and dropping deeper to limit Atletico's opportunities.

The hosts were searching for inspiration as their intensity dropped, and Rodrigo Riquelme almost provided it with a deflected shot that went wide.

Marcus Thuram had a chance to score a second goal for Inter, but he missed the target after a great setup by Lautaro Martínez, angering Inzaghi on the sidelines.

Thuram would regret that miss, as substitute Memphis Depay equalized the score with a brilliant finish from Koke's pass. Griezmann then set up Riquelme for a potential winner, but the shot went over the bar, leading to extra time.

Riquelme continued to threaten and set up Depay for another chance, but Sommer made a crucial save. Both teams had opportunities, with Martínez heading wide from Calhanoglu's corner.

As expected, the match went to penalties. Calhanoglu and Depay scored for Atletico, while Oblak made crucial saves against Sanchez and Klaassen. Martínez then missed his penalty, ending a thrilling night of action.

Atletico will now await the draw on Friday, maintaining their impressive home record at the Estadio Metropolitano. On the other hand, Inter's hopes of avenging last season's final defeat were dashed, tarnishing an otherwise excellent domestic campaign.