Atlético Madrid advanced to the last eight of the Champions League – but only after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over brave Bayer Leverkusen.
Diego Simeone’s side were trailing 1-0 from the first-leg in Germany but a first-half strike from Mario Suarez – Atlético’s first goal in three matches – levelled the scores.
After an excellent showing from the home side in the first period, Roger Schmidt’s side took the sting out of Atlético’s offense and limited their opportunities in the second-half.
The best opportunity fell to substitute Raul Garcia on 69 minutes but he was denied from close range by the impressive Bernd Leno in the visiting goal.
Extra-time was inevitable and the final half hour was played in scrappy fashion with neither side able to create any chances of note.
The shoot-out proved much more interesting with the first two penalties being missed by Raul Garcia and Hakan Calhanoglu respectively.
Both sides composed themselves and the spot-kicks improved with Atlético taking a 3-2 lead, putting the pressure on Bayer’s Stefan Kiessling who needed to score to keep his side in the contest but the substitute smashed his effort over the bar.
KEY MOMENTS
18’ - CHANCE! A dangerous pass is threaded through to Son who suddenly finds himself behind the Atlético defence but his first touch is heavy and the ball runs comfortably to the arms of Moya.
19’ - MOYA INJURED! The Atlético goalkeeper is holding his hamstring and is badly hobbling. He won't be able to continue and is replaced by Oblak.
27’ - GOAL! Atlético Madrid 1-0 Bayer Leverkusen! The hosts score from the subsequent free-kick! Koke delivered the set-piece deep into the opposition's penalty area, it was headed out but only as far to Suarez who hammers the ball at goal and the strike takes a deflection before flying into the back of the net!
30’ - CHANCE! Turan finds Mandzukic through on goal but the forward is challenged by Wendelll in a last-ditch tackle. Wonderful defending.
45’ - CHANCE! Wendell delivers a pull-back from the byline but a last ditch intervention from Miranda denies Bayer and Oblak collects. That was a great opportunity for the visitors.
69’ - SAVE! A really dangerous cross from Koke picks out Garcia who sees his flick beaten away at the far post by Lena. Great save! Atlético are getting closer to a vital second goal.
75’ - CLOSE! Griezmann shows fantastic pace on the flank, picks out Arda who opts to flick the ball in search of a team mate rather than shooting and the chance is gone.
115’ - SAVE! Atlético go close once more as Garcia's cross meets the head of Torres but Leno saves comfortably.
PENALTY SHOOTOUT - MISS! Kiessling puts it over! Atlético are through to the quarter-finals!
