Depay-inspired Atletico Madrid dump Inter via penalty shootout
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Atletico Madrid players celebrating after knocking out Inter Milan || Image credrit: Imago

Depay-inspired Atletico Madrid dump Inter via penalty shootout

Faruq Ibrahim 00:22 - 14.03.2024

Atletico Madrid knocked out Inter Milan through penalties to make LALIGA the most represented league in the UCL final eight.

Atletico Madrid are through to the next round of the Champions League despite losing the first-leg 1-0 after winning 2-1 at the Wanda Metropolitano to force extra-time and eventually penalties, through which they dumped out Inter Milan

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How it happened

Atletico Madrid came into the game with a deficit, and they started with that in mind, sustaining early pressure and getting shots off. Inter, on the other hand, did not plan to defend their lead, and they soon began initiating attacks of their own. 

The game was an end-to-end affair, with both teams attacking with vigour. This dance continued until the 32nd minute when Federico Di Marco received a cutback from Barella before firing past Jan Oblak with his weak foot to put Inter 1-0 ahead on the night and 2-0 up on aggregate. Only two minutes later, however, Atletico, thanks to Antoine Griezmann, restored parity. 

The second-half picked off from where the first stopped, with both teams exchanging punches but suffering from poor finishing, with striker Alvaro Morata for Atleti and Marcus Thuram for Inter being the worst culprits. 

Lautaro Martinez played Barella through on goal in the 80th minute for a chance to put the tie further away from Atleti's reach, but Oblak saved the Italy international’s tame attempt. Four minutes later, Depay rattled the bar on the other end. 

The Dutch striker found the mark two minutes after that attempt, however, putting his side 2-1 ahead on the night, and 2-2 on aggregate. 

Rodrigo Riquelme was presented a beautiful chance to win it for the hosts at the death, but he unbelievably skied his effort. 

Both sides toiled in extra time for a winner but ended up settling the dispute via penalties. 

Penalty shootout 3-2 

Depay and Hakan Calhanoglu both scored the opening penalties for either side, before a treble of misses, two for Inter, and one for Atleti.

Alexis Sanchez and Davy Klassen both had their attempts saved by Oblak, with a terrible Saul Niguez attempt sandwiched in between. 

Acerbi and Angel Correa both scored either team's fourth chance and when Lautaro stepped up for a chance to keep his team in the tie, he skied his effort. Atleti won the shootout 3-2, without needing to take their last attempt. 

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