By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
Atlético Madrid powered into the UEFA Champions League last-16 after a dominant 4–1 victory over Club Brugge, with Norwegian striker Alexander Sørloth delivering a sensational hat-trick in a decisive playoff second leg at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Sørloth’s treble, combined with a goal from United States midfielder Johnny Cardoso, sealed a commanding 7–4 aggregate triumph for Diego Simeone’s side, confirming their progress to Europe’s elite knockout phase.
The prolific forward proved unstoppable on the night, finishing clinically to put Atlético firmly in control of a tie that had remained finely balanced after the first leg. His ruthless display underlined his growing importance since joining the Spanish club, where he has continued to build a reputation as one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking threats.
Cardoso added further gloss to the scoreline with his first Champions League goal for the club, while Brugge’s only response came through defender Joel Ordóñez, whose strike briefly threatened to revive the Belgian side’s hopes before Atlético regained complete control.
Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman also featured as part of Atlético’s attacking options during the encounter, contributing to the team’s offensive intensity as the Spanish side overwhelmed their visitors with pace, movement, and clinical finishing.
For Atlético, the victory reinforced their reputation as one of Europe’s most resilient knockout-stage teams. Simeone’s side combined defensive solidity with attacking ruthlessness, a formula that has historically made them formidable opponents on the continental stage.
Atlético will now turn their focus to the Champions League round of 16, where Sørloth’s red-hot scoring form and the squad’s growing cohesion could make them serious contenders for a deep run in the competition.
Leave feedback about this