Sørloth Hat-Trick Fires Atlético Madrid into Champions League Last 16

The night belonged to Alexander Sørloth, whose first-ever European hat-trick powered Atlético through after a tense opening hour that had threatened to swing the tie in Brugge’s favour.

First-half tension after early breakthrough

With the aggregate score locked at 3–3 following the first leg in Brussels, the opening exchanges carried obvious edge. Brugge started confidently, but Atlético struck first against the run of play in the 23rd minute. A long clearance from Jan Oblak released Sørloth, who held off his marker before firing low past Simon Mignolet to give the hosts a crucial lead.

The advantage proved short-lived. Brugge responded with authority and were level just before the interval when Joel Ordonez nodded home from close range following a dangerous corner delivery. Moments later, the visitors came agonisingly close to turning the tie on its head, only for Oblak to produce a stunning point-blank save to deny Hugo Vetlesen.

At half-time, the contest — and the aggregate score — remained delicately poised.

Cardoso spark ignites Atlético surge

Atlético emerged with renewed intent after the break and regained control in spectacular fashion just three minutes into the second half. Midfielder Johnny Cardoso marked his first goal for the club with a sublime right-footed volley from the edge of the area, sending the home crowd into raptures and swinging momentum decisively back toward Diego Simeone’s side.

Brugge continued to probe and enjoyed spells of possession, but Atlético grew increasingly dangerous on the counter. With 14 minutes remaining, Sørloth struck again, finishing clinically after a swift passing move to give the Spaniards breathing space at 3–1 on the night.

Any remaining doubt was extinguished late on. A precise cross from Matteo Ruggeri found Sørloth at the back post, and the Norwegian forward made no mistake to complete his hat-trick three minutes from time, capping a devastating second-half display.

Clinical finish seals progression

While Brugge competed bravely and generated promising moments — finishing with a respectable expected goals tally — Atlético’s ruthlessness in key moments proved decisive. The hosts scored with all three of their second-half shots on target, underlining the efficiency that ultimately separated the two sides.

The final whistle from referee Clément Turpin confirmed Atlético’s progression, with the Spanish side now set to face either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur in the next round of the competition.

Atlético return to domestic action with a trip to Real Oviedo this weekend, while Brugge regroup ahead of their league visit to Charleroi — their European campaign ending with pride intact, but disappointment nonetheless.