Atletico Madrid required a penalty shootout to advance through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League this evening.
Following a goalless 120 minutes at the Vicente Calderon, both Atletico and PSV Eindhoven successfully converted their first seven penalties.
Then, PSV substitute Luciano Narsingh sent his effort crashing against the crossbar and Atletico full-back Juanfran kept his cool to win the tie 8-7 on spot-kicks.
Find out how the match unfolded with Sports Mole's text updates below.
Evening all and thanks for tuning into Sports Mole's coverage of this Champions League tie. Here, Atletico Madrid play host to PSV Eindhoven with the score locked at 0-0 from the first leg last month. Something will have to give tonight of course, even if we go all the way to penalties. Come the end of the night, one of these sides will be in the quarter-finals.
But, without further ado, let's take a look at the team news coming out of the Vicente Calderon...
TEAM NEWS:
ATLETICO: Oblak; Juanfran, Gimenez, Godin, Luis; Augusto, Gabi, Saul, Koke, Carrasco; Griezmann
Subs: Moya, Gamez, Lucas, Kranevitter, Correa, Vietto, Torres
PSV: Zoet; Arias, Bruma, Isimat, Moreno, Willems; Guardado, Propper, Van Ginkel; De Jong, Locadia
Subs: Pasveer, Schaars, Narsingh, Lestienne, Jozefzoon, Brenet, Hendrix
The big talking point for Atletico heading into this contest was who out of Fernando Torres and Luciano Vietto would head coach Diego Simeone pick to partner Antoine Griezmann in attack. The answer is neither! Both players are on the bench, which means that France international Griezmann will operate as a lone centre-forward.
Aside from that, Tiago and Stefan Savic have missed out with injuries as expected. Diego Godin is included, though, following his recent recovery from illness. There is also a place in midfield for Yannick Ferreira Carrasco and it is likely to be his job to get forward and support Griezmann at every given opportunity.
STAT! The inclusion of Godin is particularly crucial when you consider that the Uruguayan has been part of an Atletico rearguard that has kept a highly impressive 11 clean sheets in their last 13 home games in the Champions League. Stubborn indeed! It also does not bode well for those PSV fans that have made the trip in the hope of seeing an away goal or two.
As for PSV, the big news for them is that leading goalscorer Luuk de Jong is back after he sat out the first leg through suspension. The Dutch frontman has netted 25 goals from 36 outings in all competitions this season. However, while one PSV player is back from a ban, another is now serving one. That is Gaston Pereiro, who was red carded when the sides met in Eindhoven.
Further bad news for PSV is that Simon Poulsen will play no part because of a persistent calf issue, although Belgian winger Maxime Lestienne has passed a late fitness to be included among the substitutes.
WHO NEEDS WHAT? It is actually quite hard to judge which of these two sides got the better end of the bargain from that 0-0 draw. After all, while Atletico are the favourites here, they must win the game to go through. Either that, or draw 0-0 again and then win on penalties. PSV, meanwhile, have two results in their favour - a win or any score draw thanks to away goals rule. Atletico may be a hard nut to crack at home, but if PSV can nick a goal, that will certainly put the cat among the pigeons.
But, if PSV are to advance through to their first Champions League quarter-final since 2006-07, they must make club history. That is because from their 13 trips to Spain, none have ended in a scoreline that would be enough for them to get through tonight. On top of that, they have been eliminated on nine of the 12 occasions that they have drawn the first leg of a European tie. Not good omens it must be said.
And here is what head coach Phillip Cocu told reporters after yesterday's training session at the Vicente Calderon:
"We want to advance in the competition and we don't mind if it comes via a penalty shoot-out. Playing for 0-0 isn't easy, though. We have to play football, not only defend. We'll give our all. It's our chance to advance and it won't be easy but we need to believe. We have to fight for a win or draw.
"We have played many games against great teams in big stadiums. The atmosphere should give the players extra energy even if the fans are not supporting them."
Meanwhile, here is Cocu's side heading out to warm-up. They certainly look in relaxed mood given what is at stake:
Infectious, energetic, articulate, passionate - however you want to describe him, you certainly cannot ignore Simeone when he is prowling up and down the touchline. Here is what the Atletico boss offered up to the media yesterday:
"The team is in decent shape. We have been going well in recent matches and we expect to continue that way on Tuesday. We have to score one goal more than our opponents.
We are thinking of playing a 4-3-3 and we will try to make sure the match plays to our strengths. PSV are good on the counter-attack. They play very well with space, their second line is dangerous and they are good at dead-ball situations. De Jong is an important player and the main point of reference for his team."
When Simeone says that his team has been in decent form of late he certainly isn't lying. They have won their previous four games on the bounce, scoring 10 goals and conceding just one. In fact, their unbeaten run stretches back eight matches in total, with six victories and two draws. Also, of their last 14 home Champions League games, just one has ended in defeat.
PREDICTION: With just under 15 minutes to go until we hear the referee's whistle for the first time, let's predict how this one is going to end. PSV failed to win any of their away matches in the group stages and it's hard to see them ending that drought here. Of course a score draw is enough, but it's tough to look beyond the machine-like Atletico at the Calderon. Let's say 2-0 to the hosts, with Griezmann nabbing both.
Here's some shots of the Atletico players that are preparing to do battle:
Simeone called on the Atleti faithful to be the team's 12th man this evening and they have certainly responded. It's a packed crowd at the Vicente Calderon and they are making an almighty din right now.
Right, the players are now out on the pitch and the famous Champions League anthem is about to be bellowed out. Not long left now until we are off and running in the Spanish capital.
KICKOFF! English referee Mark Clattenburg starts the game, with visiting PSV taking the centre. A huge 90 minutes ahead for both of these sides.
Four minutes in and Simeone is already out on the touchline trying to energise his players. To be fair to Atletico, they've actually started this contest well. There was a half chance for Griezmann moments ago, but Zoet scampered off his line in time to thwart the danger.
PSV have just had a decent spell in possession and it's not gone down well with the home fans, who jeered it. They are not used to seeing their side doing the chasing.
CHANCE! The first real opening of the night goes to PSV following a swift counter-attack. A loose ball eventually breaks for Moreno on the edge of the box. His shot looks goalbound, but it's deflected over the top by Godin. Positive stuff from the away team.
SAVE! Quite how Griezmann hasn't put Atletico in front only he will know. He's scored in each of his last four outings, so when the ball drops to him unmarked six yards from goal, there is surely going to be one outcome. However, inexplicably he shoots straight at Zoet and the chance is gone.
Very little has happened since that Griezmann opportunity. Atletico are seeing plenty of the ball, but much of it is in front of PSV, who are defending well as a unit.
Are there many players in Europe better at delivering a ball than Koke? He's just sent a fantastic cross into the PSV box, but unfortunately for him no Atletico player commits to the near post and Zoet is able to collect.
To be fair to PSV, they are playing positively here. It's out wide where they are looking to do the damage, with Atletico's two full-backs being called into action quite regularly.
BOOKING! The first yellow card of the evening goes the way of PSV and Locadia for tugging back Augusto.
Another decent cross, this time from Atletico's Luis. The full-back bounces one right across the face of the PSV goal, but there are no takers and the away side escape.
Griezmann forces a second save of the night from Zoet with a header from close range, but it would not have counted anyway because the linesman had correctly raised his flag for offside.
Here's the scene that greeted the two teams before the match:
There will be one minute of stoppage time at the end of this first half.
HALF-TIME: ATLETICO 0- PSV
There goes the whistle, which brings an end to what has been a largely uneventful first half at the Vicente Calderon. As it stands, we're heading to penalties. There's a long way to go before that of course.
Simeone is likely to be deeply unimpressed by what his team have produced so far. They've created just one clear opening on a night where they must score at least once to guarantee their place in the quarter-finals. If this carries on, it probably will not be long until he turns to either Torres or Vietto to beef up the attack.
As for Cocu, he will probably be a bit more content with life. His team has created less than Atletico, but they've kept possession well at times and have also defended stubbornly. They are in a position where a goal effectively counts as double, so there is no reason to panic from a PSV point of view. They would almost certainly have taken 0-0 at half time if you had offered it to them pre-match.
STATS! Here is how the first half played out courtesy of the guys at Squawka:
RESTART! Hosting Atletico get proceedings back underway. Let's hope for a more entertaining second half.
CHANCE! It has been a decent start from Atletico and in particular Carrasco, who has sent in three dangerous crosses already. The last one finds Gimenez at the back post, but the centre-back sends his downward header wide of the target. At the very least he should have worked Zoet from there.
SAVE! Well, at least Atletico have ramped up the intensity. Augusto tries his luck from 25 yards out and his low shot is well struck. Zoet is behind it all the way, though, and he gets down in plenty of time to hold the ball.
It doesn't look like it will be too long until Torres enters the action. He's just headed out for a warm-up, much to the delight of the home fans.
ATLETICO SUB: That didn't take long! Here comes Torres and he replaces Augusto. That's an attacking switch from Simeone as a striker comes on for a holding midfield players. Needs must for the Atleti coach.
POST! So, so, so close to an away goal for PSV! I don't think that they can get much closer in truth! Locadia shoots across goal from the left side of the penalty area and Oblak turns it against the post with a smart save. The rebound bounces up for De Jong, who appears to have simple tap in, only for his header to be cleared off the line by Luis. That could be a big moment come the final whistle.
SAVE! Now it's Atletico's turn to waste a good chance. Left-back Luis cuts on to his right foot and drives goalwards. Zoet punches the ball up in the air and Carrasco is underneath it. However, from eight yards out and unopposed, he volleys wildly over.
BOOKING! A second PSV player goes into the book and this time it's De Jong, who needlessly charges in on Koke.
An opening appears for Torres as he lashes a powerful half-volley from eight yards out. It seems certain to work Zoet, but it strikes his teammate Gimenez on the floor and loops up into the air for the PSV keeper to catch with ease.
PSV SUB: It is Willems that trudges off for PSV, with Brenet taking his place on the left flank.
ATLETICO SUB: And now the hosts make a second alteration as Kranevitter takes Carrasco's place. All of a sudden, Simeone has thrown on a holding midfielder. Perhaps as his side pushes forward, he's worried that they'll get caught short at the back.
And yet they still haven't scored...
PSV SUB: Another switch for the away team as Locadia's race is run and he is replaced by Lestienne, who passed a fitness test to feature.
ATLETICO SUB: And here's the final change for Atletico as experienced defender Godin limps off and on comes Lucas Hernandez. If this goes to extra-time, that might be positive for PSV because that is a lot of experience that the hosts have lost.
There is three minutes of stoppage time for somebody to score. If not it's extra-time.
FULL TIME: ATLETICO 0-0 PSV
There was to be no late winner, so it's into extra-time we go. While it was by no means a classic, the second half was at least a bit more entertaining.
KICKOFF! Not much time for a breather here. The players are back in position and it's PSV that get extra-time started. Remember, if there are no goals, we go to penalties.
STATS! Again from Squawka, here is how the game ended after 90 minutes:
CHANCE! Probably the clearest chance of the night for Atletico as substitute Lucas darts to the near post to meet Koke's outswinging corner. He gets far too much lift on his header, though, and sends the ball over the top. It looked easier to score!
PSV look a tired bunch of players right now - they've done a lot of chasing tonight. They are dropping deeper and deeper towards their own goal. If you offered them penalties right now, would they take it? I think so.
Yet, having said that, it does seem that Atletico have run out of ideas. Torres is running down numerous blind alleys, while there are too many long balls that PSV are dealing with easily. It's all a little uneventful in the Spanish capital right now.
SAVE! And just as I say that, Atletico carve out a chance. Saul does brilliantly to get to the right byline, from where he cuts the ball back for Griezmann. His first touch is good, but the Frenchman's shot is more of a toe-poke and is easily held by Zoet.
HALF TIME: ATLETICO 0-0 PSV
Still no goals in the Vicente Calderon and there is now just 15 minutes separating us from penalties.
RESTART! Here we go again! Will we get a dramatic late winner? Fans of the penalty shootout will no doubt be hoping not!
Here's one for Chelsea supporters - Jeffrey Bruma. He was allowed to leave Stamford Bridge in 2013, but on evidence of tonight's display, none of the defenders currently at the Premier League club are better than the 24-year-old. He's tackled brilliantly and read the danger signs ever so well. There could well be some big European sides sniffing around him in the summer.
Simeone must be knackered! He's still running up and down the touchline, barking out orders as he goes. Watching him has been more interesting than this game at times!
PSV SUB: This is a strange one. Off comes leading goalscorer De Jong, which means that he will not be taking a penalty. If he's not injured, that's odd. On in his place is Narsingh.
BOOKING! There's a late booking for Van Ginkel as he fouls Gimenez.
FULL TIME: ATLETICO 0-0 PSV
So, there were no goals in Eindhoven nor Madrid and as a result we are heading to penalties. Let's hope that someone can score from 12 yards out!
Right, it's PSV that will go first...
PSV 1-0 ATLETICO: Van Ginkel scores, just!
PSV 1-1 ATLETICO: No mistake from Griezmann - we're level.
PSV 2-1 ATLETICO: Great penalty from Guardado - PSV are in front.
PSV 2-2 ATLETICO: Captain Gabi just squeezes his effort in for the hosts. Level again.
PSV 3-2 ATLETICO: A proper penalty from Propper - sorry! PSV in front for a third time.
PSV 3-3 ATLETICO: No messing from Koke, who goes straight down the middle. That's six from six penalties so far.
PSV 4-3 ATLETICO: Bruma deserves that, he's been brilliant tonight. PSV in control.
PSV 4-4 ATLETICO: Saul, you lucky boy! The whole ground thinks that it's been saved, but it creeps in. Parity restored.
PSV 5-4 ATLETICO: A little dink down the middle from Moreno and PSV have five from five. Atletico must score now...
PSV 5-5 ATLETICO: Cool as you like from Torres and he goes down the middle. Sudden death!
PSV 6-5 ATLETICO: No nerves from Lestienne, who rolls the ball into the bottom corner. Pressure on Atletico again.
PSV 6-6 ATLETICO: When is this going to end? Gimenez fires in to level it up.
PSV 7-6 ATLETICO: Oblak doesn't bother to move as Arias rolls the ball in. Over to you Atletico.
PSV 7-7 ATLETICO: Fantastic from Luis as he fires out of Zoet's reach. He hit the side netting!
PSV 7-7 ATLETICO: Crossbar! The man who came on to take a penalty - Narsingh - smashes against the woodwork. Match point Atletico.
JUANFRAN SCORES! ATLETICO GO THROUGH TO QUARTER-FINALS
Well, there was nothing to split these two sides in normal time or extra time. The penalties were also close, but Narsingh was the unfortunate one to miss in the end. Atletico go through, while PSV's interest in the competition finishes here. It was by no means a thriller, but at least it ended with some drama.
That is all we have time for this evening. Thanks for hanging around throughout the extra 30 minutes and until next time, goodbye.
