Atletico Madrid squeeze by Inter in Champions League as Jan Oblak makes himself enormous

Atletico Madrid 2-1 Inter (2-2 on aggregate, 3-2 on penalties)

Atletico Madrid came into the second leg of their Champions League tie against Inter, a goal down, and abundantly aware that much of the perspective on their season depended on their progress to the quarter-finals. Up against them were arguably the form side in Europe. Diego Simeone’s side did not lack any of the battle or effort that characterised him as a player though, all the way through two and a half hours of exhilerating drama.

The first half started off with Atletico pushing forward, and creating danger without ever really finding clear chances. Meanwhile Inter looked content to draw Atletico to them, and try to catch them in behind. That worked a little past the half hour mark, as Denzel Dumfries was set free on the right side, but could only force an excellent save from Jan Oblak. On the other side, Federico Dimarco would capitalise on Nicolo Barella’s cutback after a flowing move from deep in their own half.

Atletico did not wait long to hit back though. After Koke Resurreccion looked for Antoine Griezmann over the top from the edge of the box, the ball was not cleared well by Francesco Acerbi, hit Stefan de Vrij and bobbled through to Antoine Griezmann to mark his return with a goal just three minutes after Inter had scored.

In the second half, Atletico showed themselves to be much the better side, creating two golden chances that were spurned by Alvaro Morata and Griezmann from balls in from the right. Memphis Depay and Angel Correa were sent on, and Memphis fluffed an early chance from close in, before striking the inside of the post with a thunderous effort.

At the other end, Inter were still dangerous. Barella and Marcus Thuram were both through