A superb hat-trick from Alexander Sørloth propelled Atletico Madrid into the UEFA Champions League last 16 after a commanding 4-1 victory over Club Brugge on Tuesday night, sealing a 7-4 aggregate triumph in their knockout play-off tie.
The Norwegian striker proved unstoppable at the Metropolitano Stadium, delivering a clinical performance to settle an entertaining contest.
Atletico took the lead when goalkeeper Jan Oblak launched a long ball forward, finding Sørloth in space. The forward held off his defender before beating Simon Mignolet, whose handling of the shot left questions unanswered.
However, Brugge responded before half-time. Joel Ordonez bundled home from close range after Brandon Mechele flicked on a corner, restoring parity and briefly unsettling Diego Simeone’s side.
The Spanish outfit regained control after the break. Johnny Cardoso smashed home to restore Atletico’s advantage, and Sørloth took centre stage late on, adding two more goals to complete his hat-trick and put the tie beyond doubt.
Brugge had moments of threat, with David Hancko making a crucial block early on and Oblak producing a fine save to deny Hugo Vetlesen, but they ultimately could not contain Atletico’s attacking power.
Diego Simeone’s side, still chasing their first-ever Champions League title, now advance to the round of 16 with renewed confidence following a dominant display.
