Twitter Reacts as Real Madrid Beat Atletico to Progess in Champions League

After last week's stalemate at Vicente Calderon Stadium, Real Madrid hosted Atleti in this season's eighth reenactment of the 2014 Champions League final. 

Los Blancos may have grown familiar with their city neighbours in those numerous meetings, but they went into Wednesday's game knowing they had not secured a win against the Rojiblancos this season.

However, Atleti's ability to shut out their fabled foes has expired. The home crowd at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium created an incredible atmosphere to help the men in white shirts prevail.

"

The Bernabeu pic.twitter.com/F3rJ3DAvpQ

— Fernando R. Vila (@nandorvila) April 22, 2015"

Real went into the game missing key players Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Marcelo, giving Carlo Ancelotti no option but to chop and change Sergio Ramos into a midfield role. Prior to kick-off, Twitter revelled in the (self-proclaimed world's most) handsome defender's repurposing.

"

Sergio Ramos in midfield, what could possibly go wrong? pic.twitter.com/y31uQVVjKy

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) April 22, 2015"

As the teams lined up on the field to a rousing atmosphere, Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to be singing along to the Champions League anthem. Looks like someone is playing the long game to become UEFA president one day.

Within the first 10 minutes of play, the makeshift home side enjoyed the lion's share of possession, leading many to brand Atleti's tactics with a certain automotive slogan.

"

Atletico are parking the bus right now. Will look to hit Real on counters. #AA_fp.

— Football Planet (@iFootballPlanet) April 22, 2015"

The first leg ended with Mario Mandzukic taking a nasty elbow to the face, a pattern of behaviour that certainly seemed to carry over into the return fixture.

"

Turan's elbow on Coentrao. #MadridDerby #UCL pic.twitter.com/YTcss0EaBC

— M.A.J (@UltraSuristic) April 22, 2015"

"

Mandzukic is ready to face Ramos & Pepe tonight. #RealAtleti pic.twitter.com/prbDGGYlS7

— Football Tips (@footballtips) April 22, 2015"

Shortly before the half-hour mark, fans were treated to the unusual spectacle of James Rodriguez taking a free-kick in the danger zone, instead of Ronaldo. It didn't work out so well.

"

Smh James probably told Ronaldo "yea ill cross it to you fam just get in the box"

— Tosí (@OzilAssist) April 22, 2015"

Ronaldo then squandered an excellent chance to put Real ahead just before half-time, but both sides headed into the dressing rooms following a tense and scrappy 45 minutes.

Half-time was also full of conversation about Diego Godin's rough challenge on Javier Hernandez just before the break that somehow didn't result in a penalty.

"

Did Diego Godin just choke slam Hernandez?  #realvsatletico https://t.co/yt8vVLwmEw

— #66 Sports (@hashtag_66) April 22, 2015"

A few minutes into the second period, it was Chicharito who had a golden chance to give Real the advantage, but it went wide. Twitter was not impressed with a man who would be showered with praise come full time.

"

Here's the Hernandez chance ... https://t.co/Tuzge3Sijq

— Copa90 (@Copa90) April 22, 2015"

With 20 minutes remaining, the tie still remained goalless, and the action could be neatly summed up with a feline GIF.

Atleti suffered a big setback with 15 minutes remaining when Arda Turan received a second yellow for a high challenge on Ramos.

"

ARDA TURAN YOUR MOTHER DID NOT CARRY YOU FOR 9 MONTHS IN HER WOMB SO THAT YOU GET SENT OFF IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTER FINAL

— it's omarwhelming (@benzeswag) April 22, 2015"

"

Replay of Arda Turan's challenge... pic.twitter.com/ehDROc3XXR

— Footy Memes (@FootyMemes) April 22, 2015"

"

How Arda Turan feels right now... https://t.co/FfFlmBY75C

— Footy Jokes (@Footy_Jokes) April 22, 2015"

"

Arda Turan will be waiting in the Real Madrid changing room.. pic.twitter.com/drlgdIlq69

— Soccer St. (@SoccerSt_) April 22, 2015"

Yet with a few minutes to go, Hernandez finally made the breakthrough, taking advantage of a rare Ronaldo pass in the box.

The battle finally finished with Real notching their first win in eight attempts against their neighbours. Chicharito was the hero of the evening, and it's been quite a season for him.

Follow @RyanJayBailey