What Happened
Atlético Madrid secured their place in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League after defeating Club Brugge 4-1 in the second leg of their knockout tie, resulting in a 7-4 aggregate victory. Alexander Sørloth starred with a hat-trick, while Johnny Cardoso added another goal for the La Liga side. The match took place at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, where Joel Ordóñez had briefly equalized for Brugge just before halftime.
Why It Matters
This victory marks a significant achievement for Atlético Madrid, allowing them to progress to the next round of the prestigious tournament. The team had faced a challenging first leg, ending in a 3-3 draw, making this win crucial for their advancement. The performance of Sørloth, who scored three goals, highlights his impact on the team and could be pivotal as they prepare for the next stage.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, Atlético Madrid will face Premier League opposition in the round of 16, with the draw scheduled for Friday. They could be matched against either Liverpool or Tottenham, which will present a new set of challenges as they aim to continue their journey in the UCL.