Real Madrid players celebrate after defeating Atletico Madrid 4-2 on spot kicks in a UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Spain, March 12, 2025. /VCG

Real Madrid beat city rivals Atletico 4-2 on spot kicks to reach the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, following an enthralling last-16 showdown that ended 2-2 on aggregate after extra time, amid a raucous atmosphere at the Metropolitano Stadium on Wednesday.

Antonio Ruediger converted the winning spot kick for Real after the second-leg finished 1-0 to Atletico thanks to an early goal from midfielder Conor Gallagher, before Vinicius Jr. missed a late second-half penalty for Real, who had taken last week's first leg 2-1 at home.

Atletico were left fuming when forward Julian Alvarez had his spot kick ruled out by the referee. He slipped and his left foot slightly touched the ball before he kicked it in with his right foot, making for two touches and invalidating an effort that would have leveled the do-or-die session at 2-2.

Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak saved a spot kick from Lucas Vazquez, but Marcos Llorente stroked the ball in off the post, leaving Ruediger to seal the win for defending champions Real, who are seeking a record-extending 16th European Cup.

"In the end, a penalty shootout is a lottery," Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois told Spanish broadcaster Movistar Plus. "I sense that (Alvarez) touched the ball twice and I told the referee. It's not easy to see and it's bad luck for them. We didn't play our best game but we got through and that's the important thing."