Sørloth Treble Seals Atlético’s Champions League Last 16 Spot

Alexander Sørloth’s hat-trick propelled Atlético Madrid into the Champions League last 16, following a commanding 4-1 second-leg play-off victory over Club Brugge.

With the tie finely balanced at 3-3 after an explosive first leg in Belgium, Diego Simeone’s side broke the deadlock at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in the 23rd minute through Sørloth. The Norwegian striker latched onto Jan Oblak’s long clearance, shrugging off Brandon Mechele to unleash a powerful left-footed shot that squirmed under Simon Mignolet.

Brugge, however, drew level just 13 minutes later when Joel Ordóñez headed home from a corner. But the Spanish outfit regained their lead within three minutes of the second half, courtesy of a brilliant half-volley from American midfielder Johnny Cardoso.

Sørloth netted his second with 14 minutes remaining, scoring from close range after a neat exchange between substitutes Ademola Lookman and Antoine Griezmann. The formidable Sørloth then completed his treble in the 87th minute, securing a 7-4 aggregate triumph for Atleti. They now await either Liverpool or Tottenham in the quarter-finals.