Alexander Sørloth netted a hat trick as Atlético Madrid advanced to the last 16 of the Champions League with a convincing 4-1 victory over Club Brugge in the second leg of their playoff.
After the first leg ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw in Belgium, Diego Simeone’s team took the lead at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano when Sørloth struck in the 23rd minute.
The Norwegian forward chased down a long ball from Jan Oblak, fended off Brandon Mechele, and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot that slipped past Simon Mignolet, the goalkeeper for the visitors.
Pierre-Philippe MARCOU / AFP via Getty Images
Mignolet could have done better, and Atlético was eager to extend their lead.
However, Club Brugge responded just 13 minutes later when Joel Ordóñez found the net with a header from a corner, leveling the aggregate score to 4-4.
But Atlético regained the lead just three minutes into the second half, thanks to a brilliant half-volley from United States midfielder Johnny Cardoso, who struck from the edge of the penalty area.
As Brugge pushed for an equalizer, Sørloth netted his second goal 14 minutes from time, converting from close range after a clever exchange between substitutes Ademola Lookman and Antoine Griezmann.
The outstanding Sørloth completed his treble in the 87th minute with his 15th goal of the season, sealing a 7-4 aggregate win for Atlético. They will next face either Liverpool or Tottenham for a spot in the quarter-finals.