Sorloth hat-trick fires Atletico Madrid into Champions League last-16

Alexander Sorloth produced a match-winning hat-trick as Atletico Madrid cruised into the Champions League round of 16 with a 4-1 victory over Club Brugge in the playoff second leg on Tuesday night.

Diego Simeone’s side dominated at the Estadio Metropolitano to seal a 7-4 aggregate success and book their place in the knockout stages.

The Norwegian striker opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, latching onto Jan Oblak’s long clearance, holding off Brandon Mechele, and firing a low left-footed shot past Simon Mignolet.

Club Brugge hit back deservedly ten minutes later when Joel Ordonez powered a header home at the back post after Mechele flicked on Christos Tzolis’s corner.

The visitors almost took the lead moments later, but Oblak produced a stunning goal-line save to deny Hugo Vetlesen’s point-blank header.

That moment proved decisive. Three minutes into the second half, Johnny Cardoso smashed a half-volley into the bottom corner to restore Atletico’s lead.

Brugge’s challenge faded, and the tie was put beyond doubt 14 minutes from time when Ademola Lookman’s deflected cutback fell to Sorloth, who calmly slotted home from close range.

Sorloth then completed his treble in the 87th minute, volleying Matteo Ruggeri’s teasing cross past Mignolet to spark wild celebrations among the home fans.

The clinical display from the 29-year-old forward capped an impressive night for Atletico, who now advance confidently into the last 16 while Brugge’s European campaign ends in disappointment.

Atletico Madrid will face Liverpool or Tottenham in the last 16 of the Champions League after battling past Club Brugge in the play-offs.

Interesting times ahead for the Round of 16 draws in the UEFA Champions League when it will be made in coming weeks.