Atletico First to Reach Champions League Round of 16 from Playoff Stage

Atletico Madrid became the first club to reach the Champions League Round of 16 from the playoff stage. In the second leg of the Round of 32, the Madrid side defeated Club Brugge 4–1 at home and advanced confidently on aggregate — 7–4.

After an entertaining 3–3 draw in Belgium, Diego Simeone’s team focused on attacking efficiency — and the strategy paid off completely. The hero of the evening was Alexander Sørloth, who scored a hat-trick. The Norwegian striker converted his chances brilliantly and effectively settled the tie.

The scoring was opened after a long pass from Jan Oblak that launched a successful attacking move for the hosts. The visitors responded — Ordonez scored from a set piece, and Cardoso later reduced the deficit with a powerful strike. However, in the second half Atletico fully took control and, thanks to precise finishing inside the penalty area, secured a dominant victory.

Sørloth sealed the win by converting Ruggeri’s cross to complete his hat-trick, fully justifying the trust of his head coach.

In the Round of 16, the Madrid side will face either Tottenham or Liverpool, who advanced directly to this stage. The draw will take place on Friday.