Gallagher’s Historic Goal Sets the Tone in Atletico vs. Real Madrid Clash
Atletico Madrid wasted no time making their intentions clear against Real Madrid in their Champions League Round of 16 second-leg encounter, as Conor Gallagher opened the scoring just 27 seconds into the match. This lightning-fast strike was only the second time in the competition’s history that Los Blancos had conceded in the opening minute—Bayern Munich’s Roy Makaay holds the record with a goal just 10 seconds into their 2007 clash.
Gallagher’s goal was historic in multiple ways. He became the first English player to score in an Atletico vs. Real Madrid derby across all competitions and set the record for the fastest goal ever scored by an English player in a Champions League match. Additionally, it marked the quickest goal Atletico Madrid have ever recorded in the tournament.
From the outset, it seemed like Diego Simeone’s men were finally poised to break their long-standing UCL curse against Real Madrid. Despite Los Blancos dominating possession (62% to 38%) and recording their highest passing total of the 2024/25 Champions League season with 856 attempted passes, their attacking threat remained limited throughout much of the match.
Real Madrid’s Possession Without Purpose
Despite dominating possession, Real Madrid failed to convert their ball control into meaningful attacking play. Eight of their starting eleven boasted a pass completion rate above 90%, yet their control of the game proved ineffective as they struggled to break Atletico Madrid down.
The disparity in attacking efficiency was evident—Los Blancos managed just three shots on target from 10 attempts, whereas Atletico registered eight shots on target from 17 efforts. Former Atleti goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was far busier than his opposite number, Jan Oblak.
Julian Alvarez stood out for Atletico, leading his side in both pass accuracy (94.1%) and shot attempts (five). Remarkably, only three Atleti players failed to register a shot, with one being their goalkeeper.
Real Madrid’s attacking woes were highlighted by Kylian Mbappé’s uncharacteristically poor performance. The French star failed to register a single shot, touched the ball only four times in Atletico’s box, and completed just 33 passes throughout the extended 120+ minutes—barely five more than goalkeeper Courtois.
Vinícius Júnior endured a similarly frustrating night, missing his first-ever penalty in regulation play for Real Madrid. His dribbling attempts (3/15 successful) and duel success (8/23 won) reflected his struggles, as none of his 11 touches in the opposition box resulted in a goal.
Atlético Madrid had multiple chances to capitalize on Real Madrid’s struggles, but their profligacy in front of goal ultimately cost them.
Vinícius Júnior had a particularly frustrating night, losing possession 26 times, at least 10 more than any of his teammates. His frustration was evident as he committed three fouls, leading to Carlo Ancelotti’s bold but justified decision to substitute him late in the match.
Real Madrid still managed to create eight chances, but none were particularly dangerous for Jan Oblak. In contrast, Atlético Madrid produced 14 opportunities, but their inefficiency in front of goal meant they failed to put the game beyond reach.
Marcos Llorente, despite missing a crucial penalty in the shootout, was among Atlético’s standout performers. The 30-year-old midfielder—whose family has deep ties with Real Madrid—showed relentless energy, winning five of his six tackles and making five clearances.
As the game wore on and fatigue set in, Real Madrid looked increasingly vulnerable, making Atlético’s missed opportunities even more frustrating for their fans and club hierarchy.
In the end it was Real that progressed of course, though not before losing their fourth match in this season’s Champions League – the first time in 16 years that Real have lost four European matches in the same season. Only in 2000/01 did they suffer more defeats in a single European Cup/Champions League campaign (5).
After what was a nail biting and somewhat controversial end, Los Blancos progression meant it was the fifth time that Atletico had been eliminated from the Champions League knockout stages (incl. finals) by Real Madrid.
Only Bayern Munich have a worse elimination record in the competition’s knockout rounds (7 v Real Madrid).
The story of the game will be that Atletico just couldn’t capitalise when they had the chance, and the history books will again show that Real Madrid somehow always get the job done in the Champions League.
[…] 2 – Paris Saint-Germain also moved on in an incredibly dramatic tie at the expense of Liverpool. The Ligue 1 champions scored early on to tie the aggregate score at one apiece, with penalties being required to decide who would advance. Scoring all four of their spot kicks, PSG progress. For Liverpool, who fell 1-0 on the night, it is their second straight European knockout clash at home that they have lost. Atalanta beat them 3-0 in the Europa League last eight a year ago. […]
Kudos Kingsman for doing this amazing job. Now I understands why you are called “King” You the King in Sports. Bigups to you Mandem👑🔥🔥🔥