ATLETICO EDGE PAST BRUGGE INTO CHAMPIONS LEAGUE LAST 16 THANKS TO SORLOTH HAT-TRICK
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By: Fasasi Hammad
Alexander Sorloth’s hat-trick propelled Atletico Madrid into the Champions League last 16 with a commanding 4-1 victory over Club Brugge on Tuesday, securing a 7-4 aggregate win from the play-off round.
The Norwegian striker proved unstoppable at the Metropolitano Stadium, demonstrating lethal finishing that settled an entertaining tie.
After Joel Ordonez equalised Sorloth’s opener, Johnny Cardoso put Atletico back in front, and Sorloth added two more late goals to seal the win.
Diego Simeone’s side, who have yet to lift the Champions League trophy, took some time to find their rhythm in the opening minutes, with David Hancko blocking a Hugo Vetlesen effort as Brugge looked to capitalise.
Atletico broke the deadlock when goalkeeper Jan Oblak launched the ball from the back, finding Sorloth in space. The powerful forward held off his marker and finished past Simon Mignolet, whose poor handling allowed the opener.
Julian Alvarez went close with a header as Atletico searched for a second goal.
The visitors struck back shortly before halftime, with Ordonez nodding in from a corner flicked on by Brandon Mechele. Brugge nearly took the lead before the break, but Oblak produced a superb save to keep out Vetlesen’s header.
Atletico regained the lead early in the second half when Cardoso smashed home from the edge of the box after the ball was cleared into his path.
The Rojiblancos maintained their advantage nervously, aware of Brugge’s threat, until Sorloth gave them breathing space with his second goal. A slick combination between Ademola Lookman and Antoine Griezmann allowed Lookman to cut the ball back for Sorloth to finish.
Sorloth completed a memorable night by volleying home Matteo Ruggeri’s cross three minutes from time.
Having also scored twice against Espanyol in La Liga on Saturday, Sorloth has already netted 10 goals in 2026, despite being rotated in and out of Simeone’s lineup.
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