What Happened
On Tuesday night, Alexander Sørloth completed a stunning hat-trick, propelling Atlético Madrid into the UEFA Champions League last 16. The team secured a dramatic 4-1 victory over Club Brugge at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, resulting in a 7-4 aggregate triumph.
Why It Matters
Sørloth’s goals came in the 23rd, 76th, and 87th minutes, marking his first Champions League treble. His performance was pivotal, as he became only the second Atlético player to score a Champions League hat-trick, following Mario Mandzukic in 2014. Additionally, this victory solidifies Atlético’s position as a strong contender in the tournament, with Sørloth now leading the team as the top scorer of the season with 15 goals.
What’s Next
Following this victory, Atlético Madrid will face Premier League opposition in the round of 16, with potential matchups against either Liverpool or Tottenham. The draw for the next round is scheduled for Friday, which will determine their next challenge in the knockout phase.