Atletico Madrid stormed into the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 with a commanding 4-1 win over Club Brugge KV on Tuesday night, highlighted by Alexander Sorloth’s clinical hat-trick in a thrilling second-leg clash.
Following an intense 3-3 draw in the first leg, Diego Simeone’s side rose to the occasion at home, blending physical intensity with incisive attacking play to secure a 7-4 aggregate victory in the playoff tie.
Sorloth set the tone in the 23rd minute, finishing off a precise team move with a low shot past Simon Mignolet to calm any early nerves. Club Brugge levelled the match in the 36th minute as Joel Ordonez headed in from close range, briefly shifting momentum.
After the interval, Atletico regained the upper hand. Johnny Cardoso restored their lead in the 48th minute, pouncing on a rebound to fire a sharp finish from the edge of the area and make it 2-1 on the night.
A pivotal moment arrived midway through the second half when substitute Ademola Lookman injected fresh energy and creativity into Atletico’s forward line. In the 76th minute, Lookman slipped a perfectly weighted pass into the box for Sorloth, who coolly converted his second goal to extend the advantage to 3-1.
Sorloth capped his memorable night in the 87th minute, rising to meet Matteo Ruggeri’s cross and steering home his third goal to seal the result.
Club Brugge’s hopes flickered in the 70th minute when they appealed for a penalty, but referee Clement Turpin waved away claims after a VAR review found no foul. Jan Oblak also played a key role, making vital saves from Hugo Vetlesen and Christos Tzolis to preserve Atletico’s control.
In the closing stages, Atletico dictated possession and tempo, frustrating Brugge’s late efforts and comfortably seeing out a dominant victory.
