Atletico Madrid secured their place in the Champions League knockout stage with a convincing 4-1 victory over Club Brugge in the playoff second leg. Following a 3-3 draw in the first match, Alexander Sorloth emerged as the hero for the Madrid side, scoring three times against the visitors' goalkeeper. Despite a period of Belgian dominance and an equalizer from Joel Ordonez, Diego Simeone's team dominated the second half to book their spot in the next round.

Alexander Sorloth's Hat-Trick

The Norwegian striker became the second player in Atletico's history to score three goals in a single Champions League match, leading the team to victory.

Oblak's Crucial Interventions

The Atletico goalkeeper not only recorded an assist for the first goal but also made a crucial save at 1:1 that prevented the Belgians from taking the lead.

Speculation Surrounding Griezmann

Antoine Griezmann started the match on the bench due to reports of his possible transfer to Orlando City in MLS.

Atletico Madrid overcame the resistance of a valiant Club Brugge and, after an exciting two-legged tie, booked their place in the Champions League round of 16. The match at the Metropolitano started with attacks from the visitors, but it was the hosts who took the lead in the 23rd minute. Alexander Sorloth capitalized on a long clearance from Jan Oblak and, with significant help from Simon Mignolet, placed the ball in the net. The Belgians managed to respond just before halftime when Joel Ordonez headed home a cross from a corner. The turning point was an intervention by Jan Oblak just before the end of the first half, which prevented the Madrid side from conceding a second goal. The second half belonged exclusively to the hosts. Johnny Cardoso gave the signal to attack with a precise long-range strike, restoring Atletico's lead. In the following minutes, Sorloth dominated the pitch. The Norwegian first finished a counter-attack after a pass from Ademola Lookman, and in the final moments of the match set the final score at 4:1 after an assist from Matteo Ruggeri. The 7:4 aggregate victory means the Madrid club will play in the knockout stage of these elite competitions under its current name for the thirteenth time in its history. In the shadow of the sporting emotions, the fate of club legend Antoine Griezmann hangs in the balance. The Frenchman, who came off the bench and was involved in goal-scoring actions, is close to a move to the American MLS league. Media reports indicate advanced talks with Orlando City. Despite these speculations, Diego Simeone emphasized the team's determination and ability for reinvention in the face of squad changes. Atletico's next opponent will be one of the English teams — either FC Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur.Under Diego Simeone's leadership, Atletico Madrid has become a symbol of defensive solidity and fighting spirit until the final minutes, which allowed the club to reach the Champions League final twice in 2014 and 2016.„Sorloth tiene lo que no tiene ninguno de sus compañeros.” (Sorloth has what none of his teammates have.) — Diego Simeone

Mentioned People

  • Alexander Sorloth — Norwegian striker for Atletico Madrid, scorer of three goals in the match.
  • Diego Simeone — Manager of Atletico Madrid, leading the team since 2011.
  • Antoine Griezmann — Atletico Madrid star, linked with a transfer to the American league.
  • Jan Oblak — Atletico Madrid goalkeeper, assistant for the first goal.