• Real Madrid defeats Atletico Madrid 4-2 in penalties to reach Champions League quarter-finals.
• Controversial double-touch penalty by Julian Alvarez nullified after VAR review.
• Antonio Rudiger scored the decisive spot-kick, securing Madrid's bid for a 16th European title.

MADRID, March 12 (Reuters) - Real Madrid triumphed over their city rivals, Atletico Madrid, in a gripping penalty shootout, winning 4-2 and securing a place in the Champions League quarter-finals. The highly competitive last-16 tie concluded with a 2-2 aggregate score after extra time, culminating in a tense shootout held at the Metropolitano Stadium.

The match was set into motion as Atletico’s midfielder Conor Gallagher netted an early goal just 23 seconds into the game, bringing the aggregated score to a startling 2-2. Despite this stirring opener, Real Madrid’s struggle continued as their star player, Vinicius Jr., missed a crucial penalty later in the match, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion.

However, chaos ensued during the shootout where Atletico forward Julian Alvarez’s penalty was disallowed after it was determined that he had touched the ball twice—first with his left foot before scoring with his right. This decision, made with input from the VAR, sparked discontent among Atletico fans, as the goal could have leveled the shootout at 2-2, as noted by BBC.

In the shootout, Real Madrid's Antonio Rudiger stepped up to take the decisive kick, sealing victory after Atletico’s Jan Oblak managed to get a hand on the ball, yet could not keep it out. Madrilenian coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed relief over the result, acknowledging that while their performance lacked brilliance, the crucial aspect was progressing in the tournament. "In the end, a penalty shootout is a lottery," said Thibaut Courtois, Real’s goalkeeper, confirming that the disallowed Alvarez goal changed the momentum of the shootout.

Despite the disappointment, Atletico’s coach Diego Simeone and goalkeeper Oblak bemoaned the missed opportunity, particularly focusing on the disallowed penalty as a hard pill to swallow. The sequence of events has led to scrutiny surrounding the officiating and use of VAR in the match, a topic garnering attention and criticism across football circles, as cited by Channel News Asia.

Real Madrid's victory maintains their esteemed record against Atletico in knockout games, having bested them in all six encounters that have proceeded to penalties. Madrid will now face Arsenal in the quarter-finals as they vie for a record-extending 16th European Cup title, further solidifying their storied legacy in European football.

For more updates, follow the ongoing tournament action and the aftermath of this gripping clash through Reuters.