Alexander Sørloth Hat-Trick Sends Atletico Madrid Into UCL Last 16

Key Points

• Alexander Sørloth scored a hat-trick for Atletico Madrid
• Johnny Cardoso added a crucial second-half goal
• Atletico advanced 7-4 on aggregate against Club Brugge

Madrid, Spain: Under the bright lights of the Wanda Metropolitano, Alexander Sørloth delivered a clinical hat-trick performance Tuesday night to power Atletico Madrid past a stubborn Club Brugge and into the UEFA Champions League last 16.

Diego Simeone’s side, still stung by surrendering a two-goal lead in last week’s 3-3 first leg, responded with urgency and control in front of their home crowd.

Sørloth set the tone in the 23rd minute when he latched onto a long clearance from goalkeeper Jan Oblak. The Norwegian forward steadied himself before firing a low half-volley that slipped under Simon Mignolet’s gloves.

Brugge fight back before halftime

Club Brugge refused to fade quietly. In the 36th minute, defender Joel Ordonez rose highest from a corner, heading home to level the match and briefly silence the Madrid crowd.

Moments later, Hugo Vetlesen nearly stunned the hosts, but Oblak produced a sharp save that proved pivotal.

The match remained finely balanced at the break, with Atletico holding only the narrowest aggregate edge.

Cardoso strike swings momentum

Just three minutes into the second half, United States midfielder Johnny Cardoso produced the moment that shifted the tie decisively.

Collecting the ball outside the box, Cardoso unleashed a fierce low drive that crashed past Mignolet, restoring Atletico’s aggregate control and energizing the home supporters.

It was Cardoso’s first goal for the club and it arrived at a critical moment.

Sørloth seals the night

With Brugge pushing forward late, spaces began to open and Sørloth took full advantage.

The striker doubled his tally in the 76th minute with a composed close-range finish after a slick attacking move. Eleven minutes later, he completed his first Champions League hat-trick, calmly slotting home to cap a dominant display.

“I just tried to stay focused and help the team,” Sørloth said after the match.

The victory ended Atletico’s three-game winless run in the competition and secured a commanding 7-4 aggregate triumph.

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Atletico Madrid will now face either Tottenham or Liverpool in the round of 16, a matchup that promises a significant step up in intensity.

For Simeone, the performance offered timely reassurance.

After last week’s defensive wobble, Atletico rediscovered their cutting edge when it mattered most.