Atletico Madrid booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League after overcoming Bayer Leverkusen on penalties in the second leg of their last-16 clash in Madrid on Tuesday.
Leverkusen held a 1-0 lead entering the match, but Mario Suarez's first-half strike levelled the tie at 1-1.
That proved the end of the goals in the 120 minutes, but it was Atletico that came through 3-2 on penalties.
Here, Sports Mole dissects what was an incredible night of entertainment in Spain.
Match statistics
ATLETICO
Shots: 12
On target: 5
Possession: 50%
Corners: 11
Fouls: 10
LEVERKUSEN
Shots: 7
On target: 3
Possession: 50%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 25
Was the result fair?
It is difficult to analyse a match that spanned over 120 minutes and beyond, but when taking into account what occurred at the Vicente Calderon, Atletico probably just about deserved to advance from this tie. There is no question that Leverkusen were the better team in the first leg and ultimately, they have been made to pay for not winning by more than one goal on their own patch. However, in Madrid, Atletico were in control for long spells and always looked the team most likely to win it. The first goal was always going to be vital due to Leverkusen's lead and when it came for Atletico, they took control. However, in truth, neither side created too many clear opportunities, especially in the second period and beyond.
Leverkusen had a few bright moments in the first half, but it was Atletico doing most of the pressing and that pattern continued in the second 45 minutes. Had the hosts been more careful in the final third, then they might have scored a second, but poor finishing coupled with some excellent goalkeeping forced an additional 30 minutes. The Spanish side remained the team on the front foot in extra time, but penalties always seemed likely, with both teams adopting a defensive stance. Ultimately, the match was to be decided by which team could hold their nerve. Atletico missed twice from the spot, but found the back of the net on three occasions, which proved enough to book their spot in the last eight once again.
Atletico's performance
Under normal circumstances, Atletico would have been the overwhelming favourites for this match, even at 1-0 behind. However, a poor run of form in the league meant that they would have to dig deep in order to advance past a Leverkusen team that had won their last five games in all competitions. As expected, the early stages were fast and frantic, but it appeared that Leverkusen had been able to ride the storm that developed. Atletico levelled the tie after 27 minutes, however, when Suarez had a low strike deflected into the bottom corner. They had a lead at the break, but it was far from an ideal first period, with goalkeeper Miguel Moya forced off and Mario Mandzukic picking up an ankle problem late in the half. As it turned out, Mandzukic stayed on, but Diego Simeone made his second change at the break, with Raul Garcia replacing the ineffective Cani, who surprisingly started ahead of the skipper Gabi.
That left Simeone with little room for manoeuvre in the second period, but Atletico were the better team for long spells of the second 45 minutes and indeed the additional 30. Mandzukic and Antoine Griezmann both worked extremely hard in the final third, but Leverkusen's defence managed to repel much of the danger. At the back, meanwhile, Atletico were superb, with Jose Gimenez ensuring that Diego Godin was not missed. In many ways, it was a typical Atletico performance, but they could not find a second goal despite creating a number of chances in the latter stages. The home support remained vocal, however, which pushed them over the line during the shootout. Garcia and Koke were both denied from the spot, but efforts from Griezmann, Suarez and Fernando Torres booked their spot in the last eight. There is still much to work on for Atletico, who are not certain of a top-four finish in La Liga, but this result will give them a big boost.
Leverkusen's performance
There was a sense of doom and gloom around Leverkusen prior to Christmas, but they have turned things around in 2015. An impressive performance against Atletico in the first leg and a five-game winning run in all competitions meant that they would have entered this match full of confidence. However, the German outfit were caught in the difficult position of not knowing whether to hold on to their one-goal lead or search for a second. As touched upon, they had bits and pieces in the final third, but it was not really a night where any of their attacking players came to the forefront. Both Karim Bellarabi and Son Heung-min struggled and although Stefan Kiessling was lively when he entered, chances remained at a premium.
Defensively, however, Leverkusen were absolutely brilliant. Their goalkeeper Bernd Leno was called into action on a number of occasions in the second period and answered the call with a host of super saves. Ahead of him, Emir Spahic and Omer Toprak were both excellent, with Atletico struggling to make their mark against the centre-back pairing. Ultimately, however, they just did not have enough in the final third. There were times when Atletico were vulnerable to the counter-attack, but a total of just three shots on target in 120 minutes of football is an indication of their struggles. It looked like they were playing for penalties from the moment that they conceded and it almost allowed them to advance. Germans are known for their calmness from the spot, but the quality of their penalties were disappointing. They had worked so hard throughout the match that they looked to have nothing left when it mattered most. The manner of the defeat will be difficult to take, but they can approach their challenge of securing a top-four finish in the Bundesliga full of confidence after taking the champions of Spain and last season's Champions League finalists all of the way.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Emir Spahic: The 34-year-old knows all about Spanish football following his time with Sevilla and he used all of his experience to put on a sensational defensive performance in Madrid. The centre-back picked up a booking after just 26 minutes, but it did not impact on his display as he continued to battle Mandzukic in the final third. Every time Atletico delivered a cross into the box, Spahic seemed to clear the danger, while he made a host of important blocks. There was not really a standout attacker from either side, but both defences must be credited for their performance.
Biggest gaffe
With the match heading for penalties, it was about which team could keep their nerve under severe pressure. Atletico missed twice from the spot, but still won due to Leverkusen's struggles. It is perhaps unfair to single out Kiessling, but it was the forward's wild effort that ultimately lost Leverkusen the match. Hakan Calhanoglu and Toprak also did not cover themselves in glory as they missed for Leverkusen in the shootout. Missing from the spot is not so much 'a gaffe', but it was what cost the German side a spot in the quarter-finals.
Referee performance
As expected, it was a busy night for referee Nicola Rizzoli. The 43-year-old Italian issued 10 bookings in total, but the official did allow a number of challenges to go and only looked for his pocket when it was deemed necessary. Despite his involvement in terms of cards, Rizzoli was not seen for long spells as he allowed the match to flow in the correct areas. There was not really a major call for the Italian to make in terms of a penalty incident or such, but Atletico might argue that Spahic should have seen red in the first period. Overall, it was a strong night from the official.
What next?
Atletico: The Spanish champions will attempt to return to winning ways in the league when they welcome near-neighbours Getafe to the Vicente Calderon on Saturday afternoon.
Leverkusen: Leverkusen, meanwhile, are also in action on Saturday evening as they face a difficult trip to top-four rivals Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga.
Matt Law
