Atletico Madrid proudly advanced to the Champions League Round of 16 with a 7-4 aggregate score.

Alexander Sorloth’s outstanding hat-trick helped Atletico Madrid defeat Club Brugge 4-1 in the Champions League playoff return leg, resulting in a 7-4 aggregate triumph and qualification for the Round of 16.

In the early hours of February 26 (Vietnam time), at Estadio Metropolitano, Atletico Madrid achieved a 4-1 win against Club Brugge in the second leg of the Champions League playoff, thus winning 7-4 on aggregate to secure their place in the Round of 16. The standout player of the match was none other than Alexander Sorloth, who scored a brilliant hat-trick.

In an exciting back-and-forth match from the start, Diego Simeone’s team made better use of their chances. In the 23rd minute, Alexander Sorloth opened the scoring with a powerful move. Taking advantage of a long ball from Jan Oblak, the Norwegian striker skillfully shielded the ball from Brandon Mechele before firing a left-footed shot that goalkeeper Simon Mignolet could not stop.

However, Club Brugge showed they were not ready to give up easily. In the 36th minute, Joel Ordonez rose high to head in the equalizer after Mechele flicked the ball on from a corner by Christos Tzolis. Moments later, Hugo Vetlesen nearly put the Belgian side ahead, but Oblak made an excellent save on his close-range header right on the goal line.

In the second half, Atletico Madrid quickly regained the lead. In the 48th minute, Johnny Cardoso unleashed a decisive volley that found the bottom corner of the net. As Brugge struggled to respond, Sorloth struck again in the 76th minute, capitalizing on a deflected back pass from Ademola Lookman to make it 3-1. At the 87th minute, the number 9 completed his hat-trick with a close-range volley from Matteo Ruggeri’s cross.

This was Atletico Madrid’s second-ever hat-trick in the Champions League, following Mario Mandzukic’s feat in 2014. Sorloth has now scored five goals in European competition this season, his best tally yet. Despite the win, the match was not straightforward as Brugge generated an xG of 1.85 from 11 shots, compared to Atletico’s 2.32 from 14 attempts.

By overcoming their opponent with a 7-4 aggregate, Atletico Madrid will face either Liverpool or Tottenham in the Round of 16, promising an even tougher challenge ahead.