Fans of Real Madrid often remind Atlético de Madrid about Sergio Ramos’ decisive goal in the Lisbon final, and many place the stain of that game on Jan Oblak. In that moment, the Slovenian goalkeeper stood between the red and white goal and the ultimate result, while the current Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois watched from the other end.
Milan penalties
The Slovenian has a history of strong performances against Real Madrid and has saved his team on several crucial occasions. Yet he also carries memories that return in brutal moments when the sport turns personal. In the Milan shootout, Oblak could not stop any of Madrid’s attempts; notably, every penalty landed to his left. It felt like a repeated pattern where the left side brought him trouble on big nights.
The memory of the match where Real Madrid clinched a 2-0 victory over Atlético at the Bernabéu in matchday 13 of the 2020-21 league campaign still lingers. Madrid dominated the game, but misfortune struck in the 62nd minute. Kroos delivered a cross that Carvajal chested and then struck with power from inside the box. The ball struck the left post and deflected off Oblak into his own net, sealing the scoreline for Madrid.
Oblak also drew attention with comments made in his role as Atlético captain. After a February 25 draw at the Bernabéu, where Giménez had given Atlético the lead in the 78th minute and Gil Manzano’s red card decision against Correa provoked debate, Oblak remarked that Real Madrid seemed to trigger refereeing penalties whenever they face Atlético on the big stage. He implied the derby might sometimes begin with one less player on the field for Atlético.
⚽ Real Madrid!!
⚡ Brahim closed the semi-final superCup!!
Real Madrid – Atlético | 5-3 | 121′
MovistarFutbol superCup images circulated widely in social feeds
— RFEF attribution January 10, 2024
The race with Brahim will disturb him
Yet no moment stands out like the end of a game in Riyadh where Brahim scored Madrid’s fifth, leaving Oblak chasing as the ball came from a late corner. Oblak had to sprint back toward his own half as Brahim started from much deeper and managed to outrun the Slovenian in a dramatic sprint to the goal. The strike drew global attention and again showcased Oblak’s keeping as he produced key saves, including a spectacular leg save against Rodrygo after the forward beat his marker.
In the same match, a misjudged touch from Joselu on a late chance allowed Savic to redirect the ball into his own net, giving Madrid a lead in extra time. Oblak pursued the attackers with determination, but Madrid’s pace and precision proved too much on the night. That moment, like Ramos’ goal against Courtois years earlier, would be remembered as a key turning point in Oblak’s career as a shot-stopper under pressure.