By Alex Al-Kazzaz
El Derbi Madrileño (The Madrid Derby) was an absolute war in the Champions League Round of 16. Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid gave it their all. The first leg displayed a brutal hard-fought mentality from both clubs as Real Madrid achieved a 2-1 victory on home soil. Facing a 2-1 aggregate deficit in the second leg, Atlético Madrid had an edge as they held the home-field advantage, but they ultimately fell short.
The second leg was quite foul-tempered. With a total of 27 fouls combined, only six yellow cards materialized. Atlético scored within 27 seconds which put the series in a 2-2 aggregate draw. Vinícius Júnior had a chance to level the game 1-1, which would have given Real Madrid a 3-2 lead on aggregate when Los Blancos were awarded a penalty in the second half. The Brazilian striker ultimately failed to convert the penalty. After 90 minutes, the aggregate score did not change. Even after an extra 30 minutes, the game was still level on aggregate. A penalty shoot-out was to decide who'd advance to the quarterfinals and who would be going home. Real Madrid would pull through decisively 4-2 in penalties.
The game's biggest takeaway is from the penalty shoot-out. Specifically, when Atlético Madrid striker Julián Alvarez's penalty was disallowed. Alvarez stepped up to take his team's second penalty in the shootout and appeared to have converted. However, as Federico Valverde stepped up for Real Madrid's next penalty there was a delay. A VAR review is underway and Alvarez's penalty is ruled unsuccessful. It turns out that due to "double contact" with the ball, the Argentine's penalty is declared illegitimate. VAR ruled that Alvarez made contact with the ball with both feet. The decision caused a massive uproar. Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone disputes this decision and insists that "the ball doesn't move" when Alvarez's supporting leg (non-kicking leg) touches the ball.
Real Madrid faces Arsenal in the quarterfinals. Arsenal had zero problems in the Round of 16 against PSV Eindhoven, but they now face a massive challenge against the 15-time UCL champions. This is the first time since the 2005-06 Champions League tournament where Real Madrid will face Arsenal. The legendary Thierry Henry scored the goal that eventually dumped Real Madrid out. Arsenal went on to reach the final where they lost to Barcelona.
Heavy and resilient defending kept Real Madrid alive in the Round of 16. Therefore, heavy and resilient defending is what it's going to take to get past Arsenal. Real Madrid's attack needs to be effective, so Kylian Mbappé, Vini Jr, and Rodrygo all need to step up for Real Madrid. Arsenal's attack may have some effect, but it's easily no match for Real Madrid. In Arsenal's case, the question is can Bukayo Saka make his return from injury in time? If so, can he step up and breach Real Madrid's defense?
Saka has been out since December due to a hamstring injury. He may return next month. Kai Havertz is out for the season. Gabriel Jesus tore his ACL in January against Manchester United in an FA Cup match, which means he's not coming back anytime soon. Arsenal's already at a major disadvantage. The Gunners' hopes of winning the Premier League are dead, and soon their hopes of winning the Champions League may be crushed. Arsenal has some talent, but what they have is not enough. And so it appears that Real Madrid may survive Arsenal.
The first leg between Real Madrid and Arsenal is on April 8th at Emirates Stadium in London. Before this, the Gunners will play three Premier League matches, including one at home against Chelsea. Arsenal vs Chelsea is on Sunday. Arsenal is in second place in the Premier League standings and 15 points behind first-place Liverpool.
Real Madrid will play three La Liga matches including their second leg against Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semifinals. Los Blancos are still in contention for the La Liga title. They're tied with Barcelona at 57 points. With Barcelona playing their best football right now, it's unlikely that Barcelona won't win La Liga. Frankly, Barcelona are the favorites to win the Champions League. Real Madrid would love to prevent their longtime rivals from winning the biggest prize in the game.
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