Alexander Sørloth Hat-Trick Sends Atletico Madrid Into Champions League Round of 16
- Taylor Walsh
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
A brilliant display from Norwegian striker Alexander Sørloth, scoring a hat-trick on the night, saw Atletico Madrid progress to the Round of 16 in the Champions League. They won 7–4 on aggregate against Club Brugge after a 4–1 victory at the Metropolitano.
Diego Simeone’s side showcased their attacking quality, with Sørloth taking his tally to five goals in nine Champions League matches this season.
Club Brugge played well in spells, threatening the Atletico defence and nearly taking the lead during a dramatic two-minute sequence in the first half — where they equalised and then forced an incredible reflex save from Jan Oblak to keep the contest level at 1–1 heading into the break.
But a first goal for Johnny Cardoso, followed by two more from Sørloth to complete his hat-trick, sealed progression for Simeone’s men with a commanding second-half display.
MATCH REPORT
The first half began with the Belgians pushing for an early breakthrough. Club Brugge started brightly and on the front foot. Hugo Vetlesen had an early effort after being laid off inside the box, but his shot was blocked inside the six-yard area.
Atletico gradually settled and, after a shaky opening 20 minutes, took the lead through Alexander Sørloth.
Jan Oblak launched a long ball forward into the Brugge half, which reached Sørloth the only Atletico player in the opposition half at the time. Despite that, he held off defender Brandon Mechele, drove into the left side of the box and found half a yard of space.
His left-footed strike appeared straightforward for Simon Mignolet, but the ball slipped under the former Liverpool goalkeeper and into the net for Sørloth’s third Champions League goal of the campaign.
After that, Atletico began to control proceedings and looked increasingly dangerous going forward.
However, ten minutes before half-time, Club Brugge struck back. A corner was flicked on by Mechele to centre-back Joel Ordoñez, who headed in at the back post to level the tie for the third time across both legs.
Moments later, Oblak produced a stunning save to prevent Brugge from turning the game around entirely. Christos Tzolis delivered a dangerous cross that found Vetlesen’s diving header, but the Slovenian veteran clawed it away with a remarkable stretch.
Atletico responded quickly after the restart.
Just two minutes into the second half, they retook the lead. A cross from Giuliano Simeone was partially cleared, falling to Johnny Cardoso.
The American midfielder chested it down and volleyed superbly into the bottom corner from just outside the area his first goal for Atletico and his first in the Champions League restoring Atletico’s aggregate advantage.
Brugge pushed again, but Simeone’s side defended resolutely, blocking several dangerous attempts.
With 15 minutes remaining, Atletico effectively ended the tie.
A long ball found Sørloth’s run behind the defence. He slipped it to substitute Ademola Lookman, who combined neatly with Antoine Griezmann before returning it to Sørloth. The Norwegian smashed it past Mignolet to make it 3–1 on the night.
Ten minutes later, Sørloth completed his hat-trick.
A short corner routine ended with Matteo Ruggeri delivering into the box, where Sørloth met it superbly on the volley to secure his fifth goal in two games and seal a 4–1 victory.
Club Brugge fought valiantly but ultimately lacked the cutting edge Atletico possessed.
Ivan Leko can be proud of his side’s campaign, but Diego Simeone celebrates progression into the Round of 16.
Man of the Match: Alexander Sørloth
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