Alexander Sørloth’s hat-trick propelled Atlético Madrid into the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 with a commanding 4-1 win over Club Brugge on Tuesday, sealing a 7-4 aggregate victory in the play-off round.
Brugge struggled to contain the Norwegian striker, who settled an entertaining tie with clinical finishing at the Metropolitano Stadium.
After Joel Ordóñez equalized Sørloth’s opener, Johnny Cardoso blasted Atlético back in front, before Sørloth added two late goals to cement the victory.
Diego Simeone’s side, who have yet to lift the Champions League trophy, started cautiously, with David Hancko blocking Hugo Vetlesen’s early effort as Brugge looked to assert themselves.
Atlético opened the scoring when goalkeeper Jan Oblak launched a long ball from the back, finding Sørloth in space. The powerful forward held off his marker and slotted past Simon Mignolet, who mishandled the shot.
Julian Alvarez went close with a header as Atlético pressed for a second. The visitors, mindful of last week’s slip-ups in Belgium, struck back before halftime when Ordóñez nodded home from a corner flicked on by Brandon Mechele.
Brugge nearly went ahead before the break, but Oblak produced a stunning save to deny Vetlesen.
Atlético regained the lead early in the second half, with Cardoso hammering home from the edge of the box after the ball was cleared into his path.
Sørloth then extended the lead, with Ademola Lookman and Antoine Griezmann exchanging slick passes before Sørloth finished expertly. He completed his hat-trick in the closing minutes, volleying Matteo Ruggeri’s cross into the net.
Sørloth, who also scored twice against Espanyol in La Liga on Saturday, has now netted 10 goals in 2026 despite being rotated regularly in Simeone’s squad.
AFP
