UCL: Atletico Madrid Edge Brugge 4-1, Secure Champions League Progression
| Atletico Madrid extends unbeaten UCL knockout streak to 20 games |
Atletico Madrid beat Club Brugge 4-1 (7-4 agg) in the UEFA Champions League knockout play-offs, thanks to Alexander Sorloth's hat-trick. Sorloth's ruthless finishing sends Atletico Madrid to the Champions League last 16, facing either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur.
Brugge faced an uphill battle, considering Atletico's impressive record of 13 clean sheets in their last 17 European home knockout matches...
Alexander Sorloth scored a ruthless hat-trick, leading Atletico Madrid to a 4-1 win over Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League knockout play-offs second leg, securing a 7-4 aggregate victory. Sorloth capitalized on weak defending to set the tone for Atletico's dominant performance.
Atletico Madrid created their first major opportunity through Giuliano Simeone, who sprinted onto a dangerous cross, but Club Brugge survived a potential VAR review for a possible foul by goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. The match was intense, with Brugge pushing hard despite being unfavored after a 3-3 draw in the first leg.
Atleti book their spot in the round of 16 ❤️🤍#UCL pic.twitter.com/2R8VKDHvkq
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 24, 2026
The hosts broke through midway through the first half, with the goalkeeper in the spotlight again. Alexander Sorloth impressed with some clever hold-up play, spinning Brandon Mechele before unleashing a well-struck shot that somehow slipped past the former Liverpool goalkeeper.
Brugge faced an uphill battle, considering Atletico's impressive record of 13 clean sheets in their last 17 European home knockout matches. However, the Belgians weren't intimidated, and Mechele made up for his earlier mistake by flicking a corner into the path of Joel Ordonez, leveling the aggregate score for the third time.
The tie was poised for another twist, with Brugge pushing hard despite being the underdogs after a 3-3 draw in the first leg. Atletico's quality ultimately shone through, but the Belgians' fighting spirit kept the game exciting until the end.
Sørloth hat-trick in emphatic Atleti win 💪#UCL pic.twitter.com/G5x56dX9sx
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 24, 2026
The visitors had a golden opportunity to turn the game around in their favor, but it didn't quite materialize. A teasing cross from Christos Tzolis seemed destined for Hugo Vetlesen, but Jan Oblak produced an incredible save to keep the scores level at half-time. The game was intense, with both teams creating chances.
Atletico Madrid restored their lead just moments into the second half, courtesy of Johnny Cardoso's stunning goal. His first-ever UCL goal was a beauty, leaving Mignolet with no chance as the ball flew in from the edge of the box.
Christos Tzolis threatened an instant response, but Jan Oblak was equal to his swerving long-range effort, making a solid save. Brugge continued to apply pressure, but Oblak had little else to do, aside from a brief VAR scare when Tzolis's progress was halted in the box.
Alexander Sorloth scored his second goal of the night, calmly finishing a neat combination between Ademola Lookman and Antoine Griezmann, putting Atletico Madrid ahead. This goal showcased Sorloth's clinical finishing and ability to capitalize on opponents' mistakes.
Sorloth completed an impressive hat-trick, being left all alone at the back post to score from a late corner, sealing Atletico Madrid's progression to the Champions League last 16. This goal highlighted Sorloth's growing importance to the team and his ability to deliver under pressure.
Club Brugge's recent form has seen nine of their last 10 games featuring at least three goals, a stat they would rather not have extended against Atletico Madrid. The Belgian side struggled to contain Sorloth's attacking prowess, ultimately falling short in the tie.
Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, has extended their unbeaten run in regulation time of UCL knockout matches to 20 games (W13, D7). This impressive streak speaks to their quality and experience in the competition.
The Spanish giants will face either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur in the Round of 16, with the draw scheduled for Friday and first-leg ties due to be played in March.
Sørloth hat-trick and #POTM 🤩#UCL pic.twitter.com/ptpYR1htrh
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 24, 2026

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