Sorloths Hat Trick Secures Atletico Madrids Advance Past Club Brugge to Champions League Knockout Phase

Alexander Sorloths hat trick propelled Atletico Madrid into the Champions League knockout stages following a decisive 4 1 triumph against Club Brugge on Tuesday securing a 7 4 aggregate win in the playoff round.

Club Brugge struggled to contain the Norwegian forwards prowess as he dominated the lively encounter with sharp finishing at the Metropolitano arena.

Once Joel Ordonez equalised Sorloths initial strike Johnny Cardoso powered Atletico back ahead while Sorloth netted twice more towards the end to confirm the success.

Diego Simeoones Atletico side who have yet to claim the trophy needed time to build momentum early on with David Hancko clearing Hugo Vetlesens attempt effectively as the away team sought to exploit opportunities.

Nevertheless the Spanish outfit opened the scoring when keeper Jan Oblak launched a direct ball forward locating Sorloth favourably.

The robust forward shrugged off his defender and struck past Simon Mignolet who fumbled the effort and could perhaps have parried it away.

Julian Alvarez nodded astray as the rising Atletico pushed for another goal.

The Rojiblancos surrendered their advantage twice during the previous weeks Belgian clash against Ivan Lekos team and it repeated shortly before the interval.

Ordonez headed in from close range after Brandon Mecheles touch sent a corner his way.

Club Brugge nearly went in front prior to halftime yet Oblak produced an outstanding stop to deny Vetlesens header.

Rather Atletico reclaimed the lead soon into the second half as Cardoso rifled in from distance after a clearance fell to him.

Atletico maintained their edge cautiously mindful of the opponents danger until Sorloths follow up strike provided vital margin.

Ademola Lookman and Antoine Griezmann linked neatly with the former delivering for Sorloth to finish emphatically.

The striker capped a standout performance by converting Matteo Ruggeris delivery with a volley in the closing minutes.

Sorloth who bagged a brace versus Espanyol this past Saturday in La Liga now boasts 10 strikes in 2026 despite frequent bench spells in Simeoones lineup.