Sport
Real Madrid Beats Atlético Madrid to Reach Champions League Quarter-Finals
In a thrilling UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match at the Metropolitano Stadium, Real Madrid edged past city rivals Atlético Madrid, winning 4-2 on penalties after a 1-0 defeat in regular time led to a 2-2 aggregate draw.
The match began dramatically, with Atlético’s Conor Gallagher scoring in the first minute, leveling the aggregate score following Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory in the first leg.
Real Madrid had a golden opportunity to equalize when they were awarded a penalty, but Vinícius Júnior’s attempt was unsuccessful.
The match proceeded to extra time, but neither team could break the deadlock, leading to a penalty shootout. The shootout was filled with tension and controversy. Atlético’s Julián Álvarez slipped during his attempt, inadvertently touching the ball twice, resulting in the goal being disallowed after a VAR review.
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Fede Valverde, and Antonio Rüdiger successfully converted their penalties. Despite Jan Oblak’s touch, Rüdiger’s decisive penalty found the net, sealing Real Madrid’s advancement to the quarter-finals.
Reflecting on the victory, Jude Bellingham credited the team’s resilient mentality, emphasizing their composure and understanding of game situations as key factors in their success.
This victory sets up a quarter-final clash between Real Madrid and Arsenal, who advanced after defeating PSV Eindhoven with an aggregate score of 9-3.
Fenerbahçe have entered the race to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, a player Galatasaray are hoping to bring back this summer. Reports from Ekol Sports reveal that Fenerbahçe’s president, Ali Koç, has tabled the highest offer so far to Napoli in an attempt to lure the Nigerian forward to their squad.
Galatasaray, who had Osimhen on loan last season, are also keen to keep him permanently. The 25-year-old played a vital role in their success last season, helping the club secure both the Turkish Cup and the Super Lig title. Although Galatasaray have made their offer, they’re still waiting for Osimhen to make a final decision.
The Super Eagles star is currently on summer break and hasn’t revealed where he plans to play next season. Several top clubs across Europe and beyond are monitoring his situation. Aside from Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray, Juventus, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Saudi giants Al Hilal have all shown interest.
However, sources close to Osimhen say his first option is to rejoin Galatasaray on a permanent deal, but only if a move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs doesn’t materialize during this summer transfer window.
Former Real Madrid legend Luis Figo has shared his top picks for this year’s Ballon d’Or. With the winner set to be announced in September, many names are in the running, but Figo believes three players stand out.
The Portuguese icon pointed to Ousmane Dembele, Lamine Yamal, and Vitinha as his favourites to take home football’s biggest individual honour. “All three had incredible seasons with their clubs,” Figo said in a chat with Sport Bible.
He added, “There are plenty of players who deserve it based on how they performed. But in the end, it depends on what matters more; your individual stats or the trophies you’ve won.” Figo also admitted the final decision is out of his hands, saying, “It’s not up to me, but I personally like players like Lamine, Vitinha, and Dembele; they’ve all been outstanding this season.”
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his desire to have Kylian Mbappe and Endrick back on the pitch as soon as possible. Ancelotti shared his thoughts after Los Blancos sealed a comfortable 3-0 win over RB Salzburg in the FIFA Club World Cup, thanks to goals from Vinicius Junior, Valverde, and Gonzalo Garcia.
Both Mbappe and Endrick missed the game, with Mbappe sidelined due to gastroenteritis and Endrick still nursing a hamstring injury. “We want Mbappe back fully fit,” Ancelotti said after the match. “I can’t say for sure if he’ll feature on Tuesday against Juventus, but we’re hopeful.”
He also gave an update on Endrick’s condition, saying, “He’s still recovering, but we expect him to join the squad in the US for training. I’m counting on him for what’s ahead.”
