Javier Hernandez's 88th-minute winner saw Real Madrid advance into the Champions League semi-finals at the expense of Atletico Madrid on Wednesday evening.
The two teams were still level at 0-0 on the night and indeed in the tie approaching the final 15 minutes, but Atletico's task was made harder when they lost Arda Turan to a red card.
Real Madrid's late pressure paid off as Hernandez converted two minutes from time to send the holders into the final four of the competition - joining Bayern Munich, Juventus and Barcelona in the process.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two teams.
Match statistics
REAL MADRID
Shots: 23
On target: 8
Possession: 64%
Corners: 10
Fouls: 14
ATLETICO
Shots: 6
On target: 2
Possession: 36%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 12
Was the result fair?
To be honest, even the most ardent of Atletico supporter would find it difficult to make a case for their team at the Bernabeu. Statistics rarely paint a false picture in football and the fact that Real Madrid dominated all of the major areas is an indication of what occurred in the Spanish capital. As expected, Atletico were set up to contain and frustrate, and that did work for long spells. However, the longer the game went on, Real Madrid were the team that looked more likely to emerge victorious, which proved the case.
Real Madrid had 23 attempts to Atletico's six, while the away side only managed two attempts on target to Real Madrid's eight. The hosts were also in control of the possession for long spells, but the game did turn on a decision 15 minutes from time, when Turan was given a second yellow card for a high challenge on Sergio Ramos. It looked for all the world that extra time would occur, but Cristiano Ronaldo showed calmness inside the box to find Hernandez, who did the rest. It was another fascinating contest, but over the two legs and certainly on the night, Real Madrid deserved to advance into the final four.
Real Madrid's performance
There was a lot of pressure on head coach Carlo Ancelotti entering the match and the Italian was not helped by a number of injuries. Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, Marcelo and Karim Benzema - four players that would have started - were all absent, which forced the manager to change formation and bring Ramos into midfield. Rusty Fabio Coentrao, who has not played too much football this season, also started at left-back, while there was a chance for Hernandez to impress alongside Ronaldo. It was the two forwards that combined to create the first real chance of the match, but Ronaldo dragged his attempt just wide. The hosts continued to look the more likely as the first period progressed, with Hernandez and Ronaldo both passing up opportunities, particularly the latter, who fired straight at Jan Oblak in the final minute of the first period.
Ramos and Raphael Varane also had good chances for the home side as the second period developed, but Atletico's stubbornness in defence was proving difficult to overcome, which has been the story in recent games between the two teams. Atletico were reduced to 10 men after 76 minutes, however, when Turan, who was already on a booking, challenged Ramos with a high boot. There was only one team likely to win it in normal time at that stage and when Ronaldo danced into the box before finding Hernandez, it was to be the Mexican that decided the quarter-final with a simple and calm finish. Real Madrid entered the match having not beaten Atletico in seven attempts across four separate competitions this season, but they made up for it on the biggest of stages. They are now part of a final four which, on paper, looks fascinating.
Atletico's performance
After claiming a 0-0 draw in the first leg last week, many had Atletico as slight favourites to book their spot in the semi-finals such was their record against Real Madrid this season. The injury problems for Los Blancos would have also handed Atletico confidence, but in truth, they never really got going at the Bernabeu. Mario Mandzukic was deemed fit enough to start following an ankle problem, but the skipper Gabi was surprisingly omitted from midfield, with Saul Niguez given a start. Atletico, as expected, spent long periods of the first half without the ball, but Diego Godin and Miranda were both excellent at the heart of the defence. It was never going to be a game where Atletico were going to try to out-football Real Madrid, but the statistics are difficult to evade. Atletico, put simply, did not make enough of a contribution in the final third.
Somewhat surprisingly, head coach Diego Simeone made one change at the break - introducing Gabi for Saul, before bringing on Raul Garcia for Antoine Griezmann in the 65th minute. The second substitution raised the most eyebrows, with Griezmann scoring 23 times for Atletico this season, while his pace would not have allowed Real Madrid to press high up the field. It was a clear indication that Simeone was playing for extra time and beyond, and it might have worked had Turan not been sent off 15 minutes from time. Jose Gimenez was also introduced for Tiago as Simeone looked to shut up shop for the final minutes, but just two minutes later, the ball was in the back of the net. It was a wonderful chance for Atletico to get one over on their rivals once again, but despite a solid defensive display, they did not offer enough down the other end.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Javier Hernandez: There might have been a few more consistent players on the night, but taking into account what occurred and the emotion involved, Hernandez must be recognised. The Mexican has been crying out for regular football this season and he got his chance at the Bernabeu, albeit due to an injury crisis. The on-loan Manchester United forward missed a couple of excellent chances, but his movement caused problems all evening and he managed to make the biggest of contributions in the latter stages. It was a wonderful night for the forward, although he was forced off with an injury in the latter stages.
Biggest gaffe
Atletico might argue that Turan's red card was a little harsh and perhaps they have a case, but the Turkish international gave the referee a decision to make when he lunged into a tackle with Ramos. The contact was minimal at best, but in European football, intent alone is enough to warrant a card. It was not really a clear-cut decision either way, but a player of Turan's experience and indeed know-how at this level should have known better than to make that type of tackle while on a booking. Ultimately, it cost his team.
Referee performance
It proved to be an eventful second period for referee Felix Brych, but it was a strong night from the German. Madrid derbies are always difficult to officiate, but the 39-year-old was not interested in play-acting, while he did not look for cards unless absolutely necessary. In total, there were only five bookings issued and as mentioned, the decision to send Turan from the field was one that looked just about correct. There were a couple of moments when tempers flared, but Brych was always on hand to settle proceedings, which created a strong spectacle. He is certainly one of the best officials in European football.
What next?
Real Madrid: Los Blancos return to league action away to Celta Vigo on Sunday evening.
Atletico: Atletico, meanwhile, host Elche on Saturday.
Matt Law
