Sorloth hits treble as Atletico see off Club Brugge to reach last 16

Alexander Sorloth delivered a clinical performance under the lights at the Wanda Metropolitano, scoring his maiden Champions League hat-trick as Atletico Madrid overcame a spirited Club Brugge to secure a place in the round of 16, Sport360NG reports.

The Norwegian striker set the tone in the 23rd minute, latching onto a long pass from goalkeeper Jan Oblak before firing a half-volley that slipped beyond Simon Mignolet. It was an early reward for Diego Simeone’s side, who were eager to avoid a repeat of last week’s late collapse in the first leg.

Club Brugge, however, refused to wilt. The Belgian visitors restored parity 13 minutes later when Joel Ordonez rose to head home from a corner, atoning for the own goal he conceded in the dramatic 3-3 draw six days earlier.

With the tie finely poised, Atletico regained control shortly after the restart. United States international Johnny Cardoso marked his first goal for the club in emphatic fashion, driving a fierce low strike from distance three minutes into the second half to put the hosts ahead 5-4 on aggregate.

Brugge nearly turned the contest on its head moments before the interval when Hugo Vetlesen connected with Christos Tzolis’ delivery, only for Oblak to produce a superb reflex save to preserve the balance.

Atletico shifted gears after the break and found greater fluency in attack. Sorloth, handed a starting role ahead of Antoine Griezmann, proved decisive. The in-form forward added a second with 14 minutes remaining before calmly completing his treble late on, sealing victory and ending the Spanish side’s three-game winless streak in Europe.

The result sends Atletico into the knockout phase, where they will face Premier League opposition in either Tottenham or Liverpool, with renewed confidence following a statement display from their Norwegian marksman.