Jan Oblak emerged as the hero for Atletico Madrid in a stunning comeback victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League last 16, prevailing on penalties after the match ended 2-2 on aggregate.
Despite trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Diego Simeone’s side mounted a remarkable resurgence at the Wanda Metropolitano, rallying from a two-goal deficit on the night to level the tie.
Alvaro Morata squandered a golden opportunity in the first half, failing to convert a header, before Inter capitalized on a counter-attack, with Federico Dimarco slotting home to extend their aggregate lead.
Atletico responded swiftly, with Antoine Griezmann finding the net moments later to reignite hopes of a comeback. Despite several chances for both teams, including Marcus Thuram’s miss and Memphis Depay’s late equalizer, the match ultimately went to extra time.
With neither side able to break the deadlock, the tie was decided by a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Oblak’s heroics between the posts proved decisive as he saved penalties from Alexis Sanchez and Davy Klaasen, while Lautaro Martinez skied his effort over the bar, securing victory for Atletico Madrid.
Despite Saul’s miss for Atleti, it did not dampen the jubilation as they advanced to the next round in dramatic fashion.
