This Wednesday, the final matches of the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 round of 16 are being decided. One of the most crucial encounters is the derby between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium, as the outcome of today’s match will be pivotal for both teams in shaping their plans for the rest of the season.
Real Madrid entered the second leg with a significant advantage. In the first leg, played last week at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Los Blancos won 2-1, thanks to goals from Rodrygo Goes and Brahim Diaz, while Julian Alvarez scored for the visitors.
However, Real Madrid’s advantage evaporated in a matter of seconds. At the very start of today’s match at the Metropolitano, Atletico Madrid took the lead in just 27 seconds through Conor Gallagher, marking one of the fastest goals Real Madrid have conceded in Champions League history.
What happens if Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid?
With their 2-1 win at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium last week, Real Madrid know that another victory today will secure their progression to the next stage of the UEFA Champions League.
Luka Modric of Real Madrid passes the ball whilst under pressure from Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid.
In the quarterfinals, their likely opponent will be Arsenal, who have a commanding advantage over PSV Eindhoven following a 7-1 victory in the first leg. To make matters even more challenging for PSV, the English side is currently leading 2-1 in the second leg, bringing the overall score to an impressive 9-2 in favor of the Gunners.
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What happens if Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid tie?
In the event that Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid draw this Wednesday at the Metropolitano stadium, the 2-1 lead achieved last week will be decisive for Real Madrid. In that case, it will be the same scenario as a victory for Los Blancos, which will ensure their qualification to the quarterfinals of the European tournament.
What happens if Real Madrid lose to Atletico Madrid?
The only scenario that can keep Atletico Madrid’s hopes alive in the Champions League is a victory at home today. Otherwise, their 2-1 defeat in the first leg will eliminate them from the tournament and send Real Madrid through to the quarterfinals.
If Atletico Madrid win by more than one goal, they will advance directly to the quarterfinals. However, if they win by just one goal, the series will be tied, and the match will go to extra time, consisting of two 15-minute halves. If the score remains level after extra time, penalty kicks will determine the winner of the series.
