Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-03-14 13:25:32
Atletico Madrid completed a remarkable comeback from two goals down on aggregate against Inter Milan to secure a spot in the Champions League quarter-finals in an exciting 3-2 penalty shootout victory on Wednesday.
Trailing by a goal after the first leg, Atletico found themselves in a tough spot when Federico Dimarco scored for Inter at the Estadio Metropolitano. However, Antoine Griezmann quickly equalized for the hosts, and substitute Memphis Depay scored a late equalizer to send the tie to extra time. The match was eventually decided by a penalty shootout where Inter missed three out of their five penalties, with star striker Lautaro Martinez missing the crucial spot-kick that handed Atletico the win.
Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak played a vital role in the victory, stopping two penalties from Alexis Sanchez and Davy Klaassen. Oblak credited luck in penalty shootouts and expressed his happiness for the team’s performance, highlighting their resilience and ability to bounce back from a challenging position.
Despite Inter’s impressive form leading up to the match, Atletico put up a spirited fight and took advantage of their home ground, where they have been dominant in recent fixtures. The match was evenly contested with both teams creating several scoring opportunities, but Atletico’s determination and support from the home crowd helped them secure the win.
Depay came close to scoring in regular time, hitting the woodwork before finding the back of the net, while Rodrigo Riquelme missed a great chance to seal the victory without the need for extra time. Inter also missed key opportunities when Atletico pushed for a second goal, with Marcus Thuram and Nicolo Barella failing to convert chances to seal the tie.
Inter coach Simone Inzaghi admitted that his team needed to be better in maintaining their lead after Dimarco’s goal and expressed disappointment in letting Atletico back into the game. Despite the defeat, Inter now turn their focus to winning the Serie A title while Atletico eagerly await the draw for the quarter-finals.
The match was intense from the start, with Atletico showing aggression and pressing to level the tie early on. Both teams had chances to score, with Griezmann finding the net for Atletico after a deflection from an Inter defender. The game was filled with fast-paced exchanges and exciting moments, ultimately leading to Atletico’s thrilling shootout victory.
In conclusion, Atletico Madrid’s remarkable comeback against Inter Milan showcased their resilience, determination, and ability to perform under pressure. The team’s victory in the penalty shootout was a testament to their fighting spirit and quality, setting them up for an exciting journey in the Champions League quarter-finals.
