In a game for history, Atlético de Madrid showed strength and beat Inter Milan
In a game for history, Atlético de Madrid showed strength and beat Inter Milan, the current runner-up of the competition, on penalties, guaranteeing themselves in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Atlético de Madrid and Inter Milan faced each other this Wednesday, at the Metropolitano, in the second leg of the round of 16 of the 2023-24 Champions League.
In the first leg, in Italy, the Nerazzurri took the lead thanks to Arnautovic’s saving goal in the 79th minute. Thus, Inzaghi’s men were playing for a draw in the Spanish capital.
Knowing the size of the difficulty, after all, Inter is the current runner-up of the competition, the ‘colchonera’ fans had a beautiful party and cheered with every touch of the ball with the old motto: “Never stop believing”.
The home team created the best opportunities, but Inter opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, making everything even more dramatic. Barella invaded the Atlético area with great freedom and rolled the ball towards Dimarco on the penalty spot, sending it into the back of the goal.
Luckily for the Rojiblancos, Griezmann didn’t give the Italians time to celebrate. At 35′, in a fight inside the area, Pavard got a pass and Griezmann hit to leave everything equal. Keeping Atleti alive.
In the second half, already in the heat, the home team rose too much and saw Thuram and Barella waste chances that could have changed the fate of the match.
The relief only came in the 87th minute, when Koke found Memphis inside the area, the Dutchman dominated, turned and hit to score the turning goal and drive the Metropolitano crazy.
In extra time, the two teams, already exhausted, did not create many opportunities, and the place in the quarterfinals was decided on penalties. Oblak took the charges from Alexis Sánchez and Klaassen, in addition to Lautaro isolating, leaving Inter along the way.
Now, the team led by Diego Simeone awaits the draw that will be held this Friday , to find out their opponent in the quarter-finals of the competition.
