Never write Atletico off! Inter stunned in UCL last 16

Jan Oblak emerged as the standout performer as Atletico Madrid staged a remarkable comeback from a 2-0 aggregate deficit to knock Inter out of the Champions League in the last 16, prevailing in a penalty shootout.

Match Report

Diego Simeone's team entered the match trailing 1-0 from the first leg, but staged an impressive comeback despite initially falling behind at the Wanda Metropolitano. They leveled the aggregate score at 2-2 before securing victory in a penalty shootout.

In the first half, Atletico's Alvaro Morata had a promising opportunity with a header, but Sommer made a crucial save. However, Inter managed to take the lead on the night through Federico Dimarco's well-taken finish after a swift counter-attack.
Atletico responded swiftly, with Antoine Griezmann capitalizing on a defensive error to equalize.

Despite Marcus Thuram squandering a clear chance to extend Inter's lead in the second half, it was Memphis Depay who found the net for Atletico in the dying minutes of regulation time after hitting the post initially.

In extra time, Lautaro Martinez missed a golden opportunity to clinch victory for Inter with a header that went wide.

The match ultimately went to penalties, where Atletico emerged triumphant in dramatic fashion. Jan Oblak's heroics, including saves from Alexis Sanchez and Davy Klaasen, proved decisive as Martinez's miss handed Atletico the win. Despite Saul's miss for Atletico, it had little impact on the final result.

The MVP

Jan Oblak, the goalkeeper for Atletico Madrid, showcased his exceptional talent by making two crucial saves during the penalty shootout. His performance reflects the qualities of a truly elite goalkeeper, as he not only made important saves during regular play but also stepped up in the highest-pressure situation imaginable. Oblak's world-class display was characterized by his composure and skill, solidifying his reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

Lautaro Martinez was just awful

Martinez had a disastrous night, with minimal impact during the entire 90 minutes. He squandered a golden opportunity to score with an unmarked header in extra time and then missed the crucial penalty that ultimately sealed Atletico's dramatic victory. It was a night to forget for the Argentine, whose performance starkly contrasted with that of a team leader.