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Arsenal will face Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals after controversial penalty shootout as little-known rule causes heartbreak for Atletico

Arsenal will face Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals

Carlo Ancelotti's side edged past Atletico after a controversial penalty shootout

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By YASEEN ZAMAN

Published: 18:51 EDT, 12 March 2025 | Updated: 19:05 EDT, 12 March 2025

Arsenal will face Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final after Los Blancos edged past rivals Atletico following a nail-biting penalty shootout in the Spanish capital.

The Gunners eased into the last eight after a 9-3 win over PSV Eindhoven on aggregate; the tie was virtually sealed after Mikel Arteta's side claimed a 7-0 victory in the Netherlands last week.

Real came into their second leg clash against Atletico up 2-1 on aggregate, but were forced to seal the tie on spot kicks after Atletico led 1-0 after 120 minutes.

Diego Simeone's side were controversially denied a goal in the shootout, despite Julian Alvarez finding the back of the net for Atletico's second penalty.

His shot was ruled a miss because the ball ricocheted off his left foot after he initially kicked it with his right.

As per the FA's website, one of the rules when taking a penalty kick states: 'The kicker must not play the ball again until it has touched another player.'

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