<p>With two disastrous own goals and a magnificent volley from defender Mario Hermoso, Atletico Madrid defeated Dutch champions Feyenoord 3-1 on Tuesday to secure their spot in the Champions League last-16.</p>
<p>The outcome of Group E also meant that Lazio of Italy, who defeated Celtic 2-0, advanced to the next round of elimination along with Feyenoord.<img decoding=”async” class=”alignnone wp-image-292899″ src=”https://www.theindiaprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/theindiaprint.com-108-rallies-and-road-shows-by-modi-and-shah-in-26-days-the-campaign-poll-blitz-led-750×500.jpg” alt=”theindiaprint.com 108 rallies and road shows by modi and shah in 26 days the campaign poll blitz led” width=”1562″ height=”1041″ title=”Mario Hermoso's wonder goal propels Atletico Madrid into the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League 3″ srcset=”https://www.theindiaprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/theindiaprint.com-108-rallies-and-road-shows-by-modi-and-shah-in-26-days-the-campaign-poll-blitz-led-750×500.jpg 750w, https://www.theindiaprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/theindiaprint.com-108-rallies-and-road-shows-by-modi-and-shah-in-26-days-the-campaign-poll-blitz-led-150×100.jpg 150w, https://www.theindiaprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/theindiaprint.com-108-rallies-and-road-shows-by-modi-and-shah-in-26-days-the-campaign-poll-blitz-led.jpg 768w” sizes=”(max-width: 1562px) 100vw, 1562px” /></p>
<p>Encouraged by the always tense atmosphere in De Kuip for this crucial victory, Feyenoord got off to a stronger start, with Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh almost putting one in after eight minutes.</p>
<p>Only minutes later, Atletico squandered a golden opportunity when Spain international striker Alvaro Morata blinked off a one-on-one with the goalie.</p>
<p>However, the Spanish powerhouses took the lead at the 14-minute mark after a disastrous defensive play that calmed the boisterous Rotterdam fans.</p>
<p>A harmless lobbed cross was not dealt with by the Feyenoord defense, and right-back Lutsharel Geertruida’s mistake caused the ball to dribble into the goal.</p>
<p>The hosts were stunned and almost allowed Morata to score again, but he managed to misdirect his header.</p>
<p>The mobility of Morata and French sensation Antoine Griezmann proved to be too much for the Feyenoord defense, which was outmatched by Atletico when they entered the game.</p>
<p>The Dutch champions, however, who are fierce opponents particularly at home, persisted in their pressure, incensed that Minteh did not get a penalty after going down in the area.</p>
<p>Feyenoord emerged victorious after a thrilling first half, providing manager Arne Slot with a positive outcome at the break.</p>
<p>After the intermission, Los Rojiblancos came dangerously close to giving their opponents a goal when seasoned Belgian international Axel Witsel was caught in possession, but Santiago Gimenez was unable to score.</p>
<p>A few minutes later, Mario Hermoso, a defender for Atletico, volleyed in a goal from an unlikely tight angle, punishing Feyenoord and doubling their lead.</p>
<p>The Spanish team displayed their skill with sweeping plays that split up the Feyenoord defense, and the insurance goal took the stuffing out of the home team.</p>
<p>Atletico almost had the perfect score thanks to Morata and Griezmann, but defensive midfielder Mats Wieffer soared above the rest to head in from a corner and give De Kuip some hope.</p>
<p>The Spanish team had a difficult last twelve minutes, but an own goal clinched the outcome and placed clear water between the two teams.</p>
<p>Feyenoord striker Gimenez ended a heartbreaking evening for the Dutch champions and their supporters by heading past his own goalie after fiercely defending an Atletico free kick.</p>
