Key Takeaways:
- Alexander Sorloth netted a hat-trick in Atletico Madrid’s 4-1 victory over Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League knockout play-offs (aggregate 7-4)
- Atletico extended their unbeaten run in regulation time of UCL knockout matches to 20 games (W13, D7)
- Atletico Madrid will face either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur in the Round of 16, with the draw scheduled for Friday and first-leg ties set for March
Match Overview
Club Brugge’s prospects of UCL progression unravelled in Madrid as Alexander Sorloth capitalised ruthlessly on defensive lapses, propelling Atletico Madrid to an emphatic 4-1 triumph in the second leg of their Champions League knockout play-off, resulting in a 7-4 aggregate victory.
The opening chance of the contest fell to Atletico, with Giuliano Simeone latching onto a dangerous delivery. There was a brief pause for a VAR review to assess a potential infringement by Simon Mignolet, but the Brugge goalkeeper escaped sanction.
Mignolet soon found himself in the spotlight again when the home side struck midway through the first half. Sorloth’s impressive hold-up play allowed him to spin free of Brandon Mechele and finish clinically, his shot slipping beneath the former Liverpool goalkeeper’s grasp.
WHAT A NIGHT ❤️🤍 pic.twitter.com/F2j9tcXnN2
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) February 24, 2026
Key Moments and Goals
Trailing on aggregate, Club Brugge’s daunting task was compounded by Atletico’s formidable defensive record, having registered 13 clean sheets in their previous 17 European home knockout fixtures. Nevertheless, Brugge refused to concede, and Mechele redeemed his earlier error by flicking a corner on to Joel Ordonez, who restored parity in the tie for the third time.
Brugge nearly completed a rapid turnaround moments later, as Christos Tzolis delivered a dangerous cross to Hugo Vetlesen, but Jan Oblak came up with a crucial save to ensure the sides entered the break on level terms.
At the outset of the second half, Atletico regained the advantage through Johnny Cardoso’s spectacular first UEFA Champions League goal, as his driven effort from distance beat Mignolet and restored the hosts’ lead.
Tzolis threatened with an immediate long-range reply, but Oblak was equal to the task. Although Brugge pressed for an equaliser and endured a nervy VAR check after Tzolis went down in the area, Atletico managed to weather the storm.
Sorloth’s Hat-Trick Seals Progression
The contest was ultimately decided by Sorloth, who eased home nerves with his second of the match after combining with substitutes Ademola Lookman and Antoine Griezmann. The Norwegian forward then completed his hat-trick, finding himself unmarked from a late corner to seal Atletico’s progress to the next round.
| Fixture | Score | Aggregate Score |
|---|---|---|
| Atletico Madrid vs Club Brugge | 4-1 | 7-4 |
Statistical Highlights
With nine of Club Brugge’s last ten games now featuring three or more goals, their high-scoring trend continued, though the Belgian side would have hoped for a better outcome. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid’s impressive European record was underlined as they stretched their unbeaten streak in regulation time over 20 UEFA Champions League knockout matches (W13, D7).
Looking ahead, Atletico will meet either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur in the Round of 16. The official draw will take place on Friday, with the opening fixtures to be held in March.
