Real Madrid advanced to the Champions League quarterfinals on Wednesday, defeating Atletico Madrid in both flair and controversy. The contest was heated, to say the least, with penalties going all the way till the end when Antonio Rudiger scored the winning goal.
All of the players gave everything they had and won, sending Atletico Madrid packing. Los Blancos will face Arsenal in the following round of the competition. The Santiago Bernabeu will host the second leg of the quarterfinal, and a victory there might be the last straw that sends Los Blancos to the final game and the trophy itself.
Another success, aside from qualifying, was accomplished during the game versus Atletico Madrid, which went completely undetected.
Raul Asencio makes a new Champions League record
Raul Asencio has been the subject of much discussion. His combative demeanor, forceful presence, and dominating defense. He is seen as the future of Real Madrid's defense and is already extensively depended upon by the management. The player recently received his first national team call-up. But here's another way the Spaniard has excelled.
On Wednesday, the Spaniard set a new record for the quickest sprint by any center-back in the Champions League this season. In the second leg versus Atletico Madrid, Asencio hit 35.8 km/h (22.2 mph), adding a new record to his collection of accomplishments.
The sprint was also the eighth quickest by any player this season. According to AS, Asencio is now competing in this field against established sprinters such as Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe. With a record of 22.7 mph, the Manchester City player is at the top of the list. Achraf Hakimi and Kylian Mbappe are next in line, with the same speed and 22.6 mph, respectively.
He continues to perform as the player he has evolved into. For him, the sky's the limit.