Alexander Sørloth scored a hat-trick as Atlético Madrid advanced to the Champions League last 16 with a dominant 4-1 victory over Club Brugge on Tuesday, completing a 7-4 aggregate win. The match, played at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, secured Atlético’s place in the next round where they will face either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur.
Sørloth opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, capitalizing on a long kick from goalkeeper Jan Oblak and holding off Brandon Mechele before firing a left-footed shot past Simon Mignolet. Although, Brugge responded just over ten minutes later when Joel Ordóñez headed home a corner in the 36th minute, leveling the score at 1-1.
Atlético quickly regained the lead early in the second half, with Johnny Cardoso scoring a brilliant half-volley from the edge of the penalty area in the 48th minute. Sørloth then sealed the victory with two late goals, finding the net in the 76th and 87th minutes to complete his hat-trick and bring his season tally to 15 goals.
The first leg between the two sides in Belgium had ended in a 3-3 draw, leaving the tie finely balanced. Atlético’s win on Tuesday demonstrated their strength at home and their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Elsewhere in the Champions League play-off round, Newcastle United similarly secured their progression to the last 16, defeating Qarabağ 3-2 at St. James’ Park, with an aggregate score of 9-3. Sandro Tonali, Joelinton, and Sven Botman scored for Newcastle, while Camilo Duran and Elvin Cafarqulijev scored for Qarabağ.
A major upset occurred in Milan, where Inter suffered a 1-2 defeat at home to Bodø/Glimt, resulting in their elimination from the Champions League. Bodø/Glimt had previously won the first leg 3-1 in Norway, securing a 5-2 aggregate victory. Jens Petter Hauge and Hakon Evjen scored for Bodø/Glimt, while Alessandro Bastoni scored for Inter.
Bodø/Glimt’s unexpected success comes after finishing the Champions League group stage with just three points, yet still managing to advance past Manchester City and Atlético Madrid. They will now face either Manchester City or Sporting Lisbon in the last 16.
Bayer Leverkusen also progressed to the last 16, defeating Qarabag 2-0 on aggregate after winning both legs 2-0. They will face either Bayern Munich or Arsenal in the next round.
The Champions League last-16 draw is scheduled to take place on Friday, with the remaining four qualifying teams to be determined on Wednesday.
