Real Madrid welcomed Atletico Madrid to the Bernabeu for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday.
The tie was delicately poised in the Spanish capital following a goalless draw in the first leg last week.
It appeared that extra-time would occur at the Bernabeu, but the match turned in the final 15 minutes, with Arda Turan seeing red for Atletico, before Javier Hernandez won it for Real Madrid in the 88th minute.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
6.16pmEvening all! Sports Mole's Champions League quarter-final coverage continues from the Bernabeu as Real Madrid welcome Atletico Madrid for the second leg of their last-eight clash. The tie is delicately poised following a 0-0 draw in the first leg last week and it promises to be yet another enthralling evening.
6.19pmJust a reminder that kickoff is not until 7.45pm UK time tonight, but be sure to remain with me throughout the evening and you will not miss a moment. The confirmed team news is expected in around 20 minutes or so and injuries have certainly hurt Real Madrid ahead of this match. Gareth Bale and Luka Modric are both definitely out, while Karim Benzema is also in real danger of missing the game.
6.22pmAtletico, meanwhile, have an injury doubt over Mario Mandzukic, while Mario Suarez will definitely miss out through suspension. Have no fear, you shall find out the confirmed team news as soon as it becomes available. One thing is for certain, there will be plenty of superstars on display this evening.
6.25pmIncredibly, this will be the 203rd meeting between the two teams in all competitions. Real Madrid have won 103 of those matches, with Atletico winning 50 and the further 49 ending in draws. Real Madrid have certainly enjoyed the better of it, but that has not been the case over the last 12 months.
6.28pmThis game is, of course, a repeat of the 2014 Champions League final. Atletico were a couple of minutes away from claiming the trophy courtesy of Diego Godin's first-half header, but Sergio Ramos equalised for Real Madrid in stoppage time, before Carlo Ancelotti's side won the competition for a 10th time in extra-time. It was a crushing defeat for Atletico, but a mark of their undoubted progress.
6.31pmBefore their meeting in last season's final, these two teams had actually only clashed once in European football, with that two-legged affair occurring in the semi-finals of the 1959 European Cup. Real Madrid won the first leg 2-1 at home, before Atletico recorded a 1-0 win in the reserve. That led to a replay between the capital rivals and Real Madrid advanced 2-1 to reach a fourth successive final.
6.34pmBREAKING TEAM NEWS! Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has gone 4-4-2 this evening, with Sergio Ramos starting in central midfield alongside Toni Kroos. Fabio Coentrao also replaces the suspended Marcelo at left-back, while Javier Hernandez starts in attack. For Atletico, Mario Mandzukic is fit to start, but there is no spot in the middle of midfield for the captain Gabi.
6.37pmTEAMS:
REAL: Casillas; Carvajal, Pepe, Varane, Coentrao; James, Kroos, Ramos, Isco; Ronaldo, Hernandez
ATLETI: Oblak; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Gamez; Tiago, Koke, Saul; Turan, Mandzukic, Griezmann
6.40pmSo there we have it. As expected, Karim Benzema is not included for Real Madrid, while Bale and Modric also both miss out. Marcelo is suspended, meanwhile, leaving Ancelotti without a number of first-team players. It will be a change of formation, while it is a wonderful chance for Hernandez, who starts alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. The likes of Sami Khedira and Jese Rodriguez are on the bench.
6.41pmBig night for this man...
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6.43pmAtletico, meanwhile, are without the suspended Mario Suarez, but as mentioned, Mandzukic is fit to start following an ankle problem. Jesus Gamez is given the nod at left-back, while there is also a start for youngster Saul Niguez. Antoine Griezmann, as expected, is also in the XI for the visitors tonight.
6.46pmIncredibly, since last season's European Cup final, which was an extraordinary game in Portugal, these two teams have met on seven occasions across four separate competitions and Real Madrid have failed to record a single win. Atletico claimed the Spanish Super Cup over two legs at the start of the season, before recording a 2-1 win at the Bernabeu in La Liga back in September.
6.49pmAtletico then dispatched Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey courtesy of a 2-0 win at home and 2-2 draw at the Bernabeu, before beating Real Madrid 4-0 at the Calderon in the league in February. Last week made it seven straight games unbeaten for Atletico against their rivals.
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6.52pmIn truth, Real Madrid were unfortunate not to claim a first-leg victory last week. Carlo Ancelotti's side had a host of chances in the first period, but found Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak in fine form. Atletico improved in the second half, but on balance, Real Madrid just about shaded the clash.
6.55pmReal Madrid are also in the quarter-finals of this competition for the fifth year running, while they have won eight of their last nine two-legged affairs at this stage. Of course, Los Blancos are also attempting to become the first team in the modern era to successfully defend the Champions League.
6.58pmReal Madrid absolutely breezed through the group stages – winning all six of their Group B games to finish 11 points clear of second-place Basel, while Liverpool were eliminated in third position. That brought a fairly favourable draw against Schalke 04, but it almost went horribly wrong.
7.01pmLos Blancos won the first leg 2-0 in Germany, but were within one goal of going out in the second leg after losing 4-3 at the Bernabeu. That loss in Madrid ended an 11-game winning home streak in the Champions League and indeed also ended their 10-game winning sequence in the tournament.
7.04pmThat said, Real Madrid have lost just one of their last 22 European games at the Bernabeu – winning 19 times in the process. Los Blancos have also won all but one of the 22 previous UEFA competition ties where they earned a first-leg away draw – that is a damning statistic for Atletico tonight.
7.07pmAtletico, meanwhile, are in the quarter-finals of the European Cup for the seventh time and are seeking a fifth semi-final appearance. Diego Simeone's side topped Group A ahead of Italian side Juventus in the group stages, before beating German outfit Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16.
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7.10pmAtletico's progress past Leverkusen was far from straight-forward, however, with the Spanish side losing the first leg 1-0 in Germany, before winning 1-0 at home in the return and ultimately advancing courtesy of a penalty shootout. That said, Atletico have won five and lost just two of their last 10 Champions League away matches. The atmosphere inside the stadium is really building here...
7.13pmAtletico have also won seven of their 16 European games against fellow Spanish sides and certainly know what it takes to overcome La Liga opposition at this stage of the competition, having beaten Barcelona in last season's quarter-final courtesy of a 2-1 aggregate score.
7.16pmAs mentioned, Real Madrid have a strong record when they have drawn the first leg away from home in European football, but Atletico have also won five of their eight ties after a home first-leg draw, including all three when the score was 0-0. That occurred en route to last season's final, when they drew 0-0 with Chelsea in the first leg of their semi-final, before winning 3-1 at Stamford Bridge in the return.
7.20pmTonight's focus is of course on the Champions League, but it would not be right to discuss this match without mentioning La Liga. Real Madrid will enter this game off the back of a 3-1 win over Malaga, which left them second in the table and still two points behind the league leaders Barcelona.
7.23pmSince losing 2-1 at Barcelona in the league last month, Real Madrid have won four of their five games in all competitions. That said, Atletico have also been in good form in recent weeks. They have not been beaten in any competition since losing 1-0 at Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash, however, a run that stretches back to the end of February. They will also enter the match off the back of a 2-1 win over Deportivo La Coruna in the league at the weekend.
7.26pmAtletico won their first La Liga title since the 1995-96 season last term, but they have struggled to match their achievements in the league this time around. As it stands, they are nine points behind the league leaders Barcelona with just six games remaining, while they face a battle to finish in the top four.
7.29pmHowever, two league wins for Atletico this season meant that they did the double over Real Madrid for the first time since the 1950-51 season. Their 4-0 win at the Calderon, meanwhile, was their biggest victory over their neighbours since 1987. Right, little over 15 minutes until kickoff this evening.
7.32pmWhich one of these men are playing central midfield for Real Madrid tonight? Soon find out!
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7.35pmThe Bernabeu is not exactly one of the loudest stadiums in the world, but that is the case this evening. The atmosphere is just stunning. I have a feeling that we could have a special night in the capital.
7.38pmPREDICTION! It is almost impossible to call this game. It is one of those that could go either way. It could be 0-0, or 3-3. However, I just think that Real Madrid will edge through at the Bernabeu. The home side are without key players, but I am going to back them here. Score prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Atletico
7.41pmBoth sets of players are in the tunnel and will soon join us on the field of play. As expected, there are plenty of hugs and handshakes, but that will surely be left in the tunnel. Kickoff is imminent here.
7.44pmThat wonderful Champions League music has already erupted around the stadium. These nights are always special, but this has that something extra. Juventus are in Monaco this evening for their second leg, but the focus here is all on Real Madrid against Atletico. Let's hope for a wonderful night.
0 minBoth sets of supporters are in wonderful voice this evening. It is all to play for here - we are level at 0-0 from the first leg last week. The away side get the first 45 minutes underway at the Bernabeu.
1 minRamos is in central midfield. That ends that debate!
2 minAs expected, the home side have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes. Atletico will expect to spend long periods without the ball. They are used to this type of match.
2 minHalf-chance for the home side as Kroos strikes from distance, but his effort is high of the crossbar.
4 minIt has been a very positive start from the home side, with James and Hernandez already combining in the final third. Atletico are yet to really break past the half-way line in the opening four minutes. Just a reminder that 0-0 after 120 minutes is the only score that could bring a penalty shootout here.
6 minHernandez is clipped from behind, but the referee allows the play to continue, much to the frustration of the home supporters. Atletico manage to break into the Real Madrid half with Turan, but the visitors concede possession before Ramos is caught by Saul Niguez. This is bubbling along now!
8 minThe referee has been forced into action on a number of occasions in the last few moments, with Coentrao the latest to bring Turan to the ground. No chances to speak of in the opening eight minutes, but Atletico have just started to make their mark. It is still goalless in the quarter-final.
10 minNot too much to report in terms of attacking football in the last couple of minutes, with both defences very much on top in the early stages. Ronaldo tries his luck from distance, but Turan is across to block.
12 minHalf-chance for the home side as Carvajal delivers a cross into Hernandez, but it is a fairly comfortable save for Oblak, who has not had too much to do in the opening 12 minutes here. Moments later, James feeds Hernandez inside the box, but the Mexican fires into the side netting.
14 minCHANCE! First real chance for the home side as Hernandez sets up Ronaldo outside the box, but the attacker just drags his shot wide of the post. Good hold-up from Hernandez there.
16 minPepe versus Turan is an interesting battle at the moment, with the latter taking exception to a strong challenge from the Real Madrid defender. Gamez delivers a long throw into the Real Madrid box and it eventually falls for Koke, but his effort was always moving high and wide of Casillas's crossbar.
18 minGood pressure from the home side in the last couple of minutes, with Coentrao and Carvajal both forward in wide positions. Atletico continue to shuffle across, however, and deal with the danger.
20 minStill no yellow cards this evening, but we must be getting close as Turan gets involved in another altercation with Coentrao and seems to throw his elbow at the left-back. Atletico pressure here...
22 min... Atletico have Real Madrid penned in at the moment as they force a corner, but Real Madrid manage to clear at the near post. An away goal for Atletico, especially the first goal, would be massive here.
24 minSlightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of minutes, with both sides losing possession in the final third. Real Madrid dominated the early stages, but Atletico are very much in this game now.
26 minAtletico have not been able to get Mandzukic into the game thus far, while Hernandez has been a little isolated in the Real Madrid attack. The noise remains just deafening though, with both sets of supporters making their voices heard. Just a reminder that we are currently level at 0-0 in the tie.
26 minReal Madrid have a free kick in a dangerous position as Gamez fells Ronaldo...
27 min... James takes the set piece, but his effort was always curling over the crossbar.
29 minHalf-chance for Atletico as Gamez nips in ahead of James before striking on goal, but his effort was always comfortable for Casillas, who immediately releases Carvajal down the right of the field.
31 minCHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as James delivers a super cross into Hernandez, but the Mexican's header is deflected over by Godin. Super defending from the centre-back there.
31 minBOOKING! Turan (Atletico) is booked for a late challenge on Kroos.
32 minRonaldo strikes the resulting free kick towards the bottom corner, but Oblak palms clear.
33 minGood pressure from the home side as Kroos strikes one from outside the box, but Mandzukic deflects over his crossbar for another corner. Real Madrid are in control with 33 minutes on the clock here.
35 minMiranda and Coentrao have a little bit of afters, but once again, the referee is on hand to calm matters. It has been a little bit like that thus far, but the referee has kept a lid on proceedings.
37 minReal Madrid gain another free kick in a wide area as Miranda takes out Hernandez, who had threaded a pass beyond the centre-back. Plenty of pressure on the referee to issue more cards.
38 minJames delivers the resulting free kick, but it is a very good claim by Oblak once again.
41 minIt has not been an overly busy first period in terms of chances and attacking moments, but it has been fascinating in terms of tactics and work-rate. Still just the one yellow card, but there have been plenty of late challenges. The opening 41 minutes of this contest in Madrid have absolutely flown past.
42 minRamos takes exception to a late challenge from Saul, which brings yet more work for the referee!
43 minHalf-chance for the home side as Hernandez spins outside the box before feeding Ronaldo, who delivers a super cross towards the far post, but there are no takers and Juanfran clears behind.
44 minCHANCE! Incredible chance for the home side to take the lead as Saul loses possession on the edge of his own box. It is James that slips in Ronaldo, but Oblak is down to make a super save!
45 minRonaldo - in that area - does not usually miss. That is a massive let-off for Atletico!
45 min+1HALF-TIME: Real Madrid 0-0 Atletico
8.33pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two teams level at 0-0 on the night and indeed in the tie. Real Madrid have had the best chance of the half, but Ronaldo could not find a way past Oblak after 44 minutes. Atletico have had bits and pieces in the final third, with Gamez testing Casillas and Koke firing over, but neither has really done enough to lead at this stage.
8.38pmSTATS! Real Madrid have dominated the possession with 69%, while they have had 11 attempts, but just two have been on target. Atletico, meanwhile, have hit the target with just one of their two attempts thus far. In truth, it has been a half shaded by Real Madrid in an attacking sense.
8.43pmBENCH WATCH! Real Madrid are without a number of key players this evening, but Ancelotti does have options on his bench in the shape of Illarramendi, Jese Rodriguez, Lucas Silva and Sami Khedira. Atletico, meanwhile, have the likes of Raul Garcia, Gabi, Raul Jimenez and Fernando Torres in reserve.
46 minHere we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. As it stands, we are heading for extra-time at the Bernabeu. It is the home side that get the second half underway.
46 minSUB! Atletico have made one change at the break with Gabi replacing Saul.
47 minHalf-chance for the home side as Hernandez breaks into the Atletico box, but his effort was always moving high of the crossbar. Atletico break down the other end with Turan, but the pass for Mandzukic is too strong. You just get the feeling that one goal would decide this tie tonight.
49 minCHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Isco slides a super pass into Hernandez, who spins before firing towards the far corner, but his effort just bounces wide. Unlucky there!
51 minPossession football from the home side in the last couple of moments, but Atletico are comfortable in dealing with the threat. Ronaldo attempts to combine with Coentrao down the left, but he runs into traffic and the danger is cleared. Still we wait for the first goal of this quarter-final tie in Madrid.
53 minThe pressure continues from Real Madrid as Godin is forced to head behind his own crossbar. You just get the feeling that Atletico are wobbling a bit, but they have the experience to deal with it.
55 minHernandez again jumps to meet a cross inside the Atletico box, but he is bundled over by Miranda. The little Mexican wants a penalty, but the referee is not interested. It is high-tempo stuff here.
57 minLittle over 30 minutes of normal time remaining and we are still looking for the first goal of this tie. As it stands, we are heading for extra-time and possibly penalties. However, you just get the feeling that there will be chances as the second period progresses here. It is just so delicately poised.
59 minRonaldo delivers another super cross towards James, but Tiago is on hand to clear behind for yet another Real Madrid corner. The home side are looking the most likely at the moment in Madrid.
59 minCHANCE! Varane gets a clean header on the resulting corner, but Oblak makes the save.
61 minExcellent defending from Varane as the Real Madrid centre-back clears a deep cross, which was aimed towards the head of Mandzukic. The resulting corner is met by Tiago, but it is deflected just over.
62 minCHANCE! Another opportunity for the home side as Ronaldo delivers a cross onto the head of Ramos, but his attempt was always into the arms of Oblak. Still Real Madrid looking more likely here.
64 minEnd-to-end football in the last couple of minutes, with Gabi having a super strike blocked en route to goal, before Real Madrid break down the right. Little over 25 minutes of normal time remaining.
65 minSUB! Atletico make their second change as Raul Garcia replaces Griezmann.
67 minPossession football from the home side as they continue to pass and probe in the final third, but Ronaldo cannot find a clear strike on goal and it is a comfortable save once again for Oblak.
70 minStill no movement on the home side's bench at the moment, while Atletico only have one change remaining. Are the visitors playing for extra-time and penalties? It does look that way in Madrid!
70 minHalf-chances at either end. First, Koke heads straight at Casillas from a Turan cross, before Ronaldo tests Oblak from outside the box. Both goalkeepers would have been disappointed to concede.
72 minReal Madrid are still in control of the possession, but Atletico are so good defensively that chances are hard to find, especially clear ones. Little under 20 minutes of normal time remaining at the Bernabeu.
73 minHandbags between Garcia and a host of Real Madrid players as the Atletico midfielder catches Varane with a wild swing. It was poor from Garcia and Varane does not look entirely comfortable here.
74 minBOOKINGS! Garcia (Atletico) is booked for his challenge on Varane. Meanwhile, Pepe (Real Madrid) is booked for getting involved with Garcia after the incident. Now now chaps!
76 minSENT OFF! TURAN! Turan has been sent off for Atletico!
76 minAtletico are reduced to 10 men as Turan is sent off for a challenge on Ramos. The second yellow came out and it was a foolish challenge from the Turk, whose foot was high. Hardly any contact mind!
77 minA little harsh for me, but Turan's foot was raised. Simeone is not best pleased!
79 minRamos delivers another dangerous cross towards the far post, but Ronaldo cannot make contact and Atletico have a goal kick. Can Real Madrid make use of their man advantage in the next 10 mins?
80 minCHANCE! What a chance! Incredible opportunity for the home side as James feeds Hernandez inside the box, but the Mexican is denied by Oblak. What a save and what an opportunity.
82 minAnother positive piece of goalkeeping from Oblak as the stopper claims a low strike from James.
84 minReal Madrid are really forcing the issue at the moment as another cross comes from James, but Oblak turns behind for yet another corner. Time is running out in terms of the 90 minutes here...
85 min... Atletico enjoy some respite as Mandzukic goes down inside his own box for treatment.
86 minSUB! Atletico make their third change as Gimenez replaces Tiago.
88 minHernandez delivers a deep cross towards Ronaldo, but once again Oblak makes the save. Moments before, Isco went down inside the Atletico box under pressure from Juanfran, but the referee was not interested. It looks for all the world as if we are heading for extra-time in his contest.
88 minGOAL! Real Madrid 1-0 Atletico (Hernandez)
89 minOH MY WORD! Real Madrid take the lead in the 88th minute as Ronaldo collects a short pass from James before squaring to Hernandez, who netted from inside the box. Wonderful for him!
89 minHalf-chance for Atletico as Garcia strikes one from outside the box, but his effort is just high.
90 minHernandez has cramp at the moment and nothing is happening! Bizarre!
90 min+1SUB! Real Madrid make their first change as Arbeloa replaces Coentrao.
90 min+2SUB! Real Madrid's second change follows as Jese replaces Hernandez.
90 min+3We are into the third minute of five added here. Can Atletico respond?
90 min+3BOOKING! Arbeloa (Real Madrid) is booked for a foul on Garcia.
90 min+3SUB! Third Real Madrid change as Illarramendi replaces Isco.
90 min+4BOOKING! Koke (Atletico) is booked for a late challenge on Carvajal.
90 min+5The noise inside this stadium is quite sensational and Real Madrid are almost, almost there!
90 min+6FULL-TIME: Real Madrid 1-0 Atletico
9.38pmReal Madrid have done it! They are into the semi-finals of the Champions League!
9.39pmOnly one goal in 180 minutes+ between these two teams and that goal was a big one, with Hernandez securing a 1-0 aggregate win for Real Madrid. Atletico bow out of the competition tonight.
9.41pmThanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stick around for the reaction, analysis and player ratings. What an evening in the Spanish capital. Good evening from Madrid!
