Alexander Sorloth scored a clinical hat-trick as Atletico Madrid defeated Club Brugge 3-1 at the Metropolitano to secure their place in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
Atletico Madrid advanced to the Champions League knockout stages following a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Club Brugge.
Alexander Sorloth opened the scoring after 23 minutes, though Joel Ordonez equalized for the visitors before halftime.
Diego Simeone’s side regained control immediately after the restart through Johnny Cardoso’s deflected strike.
The win was sealed late on as Sorloth completed his hat-trick, punishing Brugge’s missed opportunities.
The result marks a shift in priorities for Atletico, who have struggled for clean sheets this season.
Veteran goalkeeper Jan Oblak, who made a vital save to keep the score level at the break, previously noted the team “could not afford to pick and choose the games they turned up for.”
Los Colchoneros now await a Round of 16 clash against either Tottenham Hotspur or Liverpool.