Qualified in agony: Real Madrid battles past Atlético to reach the Champions League quarter-finals. Real Madrid secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals in dramatic fashion, overcoming a tough challenge from Atlético Madrid. Although the penalty shootout ultimately decided the tie, one—or perhaps two—of Carlo Ancelotti’s players put in a rock-solid performance late in the match. They deserve their flowers.
Travelling to the Civitas Metropolitano for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 clash against Atlético, Real Madrid, having won 2-1 in the first leg, just about managed to scrape through. Defeated (1-0) in regular time and extra time, the Madrid side had to rely on penalties to finally punch their ticket to the quarter-finals. Before the shootout, where fortune favoured them—especially with Julián Álvarez’s bizarre penalty being ruled out for a double touch—Carlo Ancelotti had two players to thank for their immense impact in the latter stages of the match.
Eduardo Camavinga’s colossal cameo
Criticised for his lack of focus and defensive solidity in recent weeks, the French midfielder started on the bench. Expected to be brought on late to help stabilise the team, Camavinga actually entered the fray earlier than planned (65th minute) to replace Aurélien Tchouaméni, who was at risk of receiving a second yellow card. From the moment he stepped onto the pitch, the former Rennes player wasted no time in making his presence felt. Showing a newfound determination, Camavinga covered an incredible amount of ground. Coincidentally, Atlético Madrid failed to create any clear-cut chances after his introduction.
During extra time, Eduardo was simply on fire. Covering every blade of grass, the 22-year-old won crucial duels in midfield and, most importantly, thwarted several counter-attacks from the Colchoneros. For a player who had struggled in recent weeks, this was a spectacular return to form. Without his intervention, the game might not have swung in Madrid’s favour, as they gained more possession and conceded fewer chances compared to when Tchouaméni or Bellingham were on the pitch (the latter having lost possession multiple times).
“He was at his best in the most difficult match. His level had dipped slightly in recent games, but tonight he gave a lot to the team. Tchouaméni was on a yellow card, and I preferred to take him off because there were risks with Atlético’s counter-attacks. Valverde and Camavinga played a very strong defensive and offensive game,” admitted Carlo Ancelotti in his post-match press conference. It was truly a masterclass.
Raúl Asencio: The other sensation who saved Real Madrid
It cannot be said enough—Raúl Asencio is a monster at just 22 years old. As revealed by FIFA’s Centre of Excellence doctor in Spain, Pedro Ripoll, the young Spanish defender is a rare breed. With incredible concentration, world-class reading of the game, and outstanding individual qualities—including his blistering pace—the Las Palmas-born defender played a key role in securing Madrid’s qualification. Already a dominant force in duels, Raúl Asencio produced no fewer than three crucial interventions to keep his side alive in the second half and extra time.
One of his standout moments came after a mistake by Rüdiger deep in Atlético’s half. Sprinting at an astonishing 35.8 km/h, Asencio raced back to stop Rodrigo de Paul with a perfectly timed tackle. This blistering run makes him the fastest centre-back in the Champions League this season.
Throughout the match, he covered his teammates and fearlessly took on every Atlético player with remarkable composure. Carlo Ancelotti must be thrilled with his young defender—there is simply no reason for Asencio to be benched in big matches ever again.
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