Club Brugge KV were left to rue defensive lapses as Alexander Sørloth struck a ruthless hat-trick to power Atlético Madrid to a 4-1 victory in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout play-off, sealing a 7-4 aggregate triumph.

Atleti carved out the first meaningful opening when Giuliano Simeone darted onto the end of a dangerous cross, though Brugge survived a VAR check for a potential foul by goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.

Mignolet was back in focus midway through the first half when the hosts made the breakthrough. Sørloth demonstrated sharp hold-up play before spinning Brandon Mechele far too easily, and his low drive somehow squirmed past the former Liverpool stopper.

That strike left Brugge facing an uphill task, particularly given Atlético’s formidable defensive record at home in European knockout matches. Yet the visitors refused to fold. Mechele atoned for his earlier error by flicking on a corner into the path of Joel Ordóñez, who squared the tie on aggregate for the third time.

Brugge nearly completed the turnaround moments later. A teasing delivery from Christos Tzolis picked out Hugo Vetlesen, but Jan Oblak produced a superb save to ensure parity at the break.

Atlético regained control early in the second half through Johnny Cardoso. The midfielder’s first-ever Champions League goal was a stunning effort from the edge of the box, leaving Mignolet with no chance as it flew into the net.

Tzolis remained a lively outlet for Brugge and tested Oblak with a swerving long-range attempt, but the Slovenian was equal to it. Although the visitors continued to push forward, they struggled to create clear-cut chances, while Atleti survived a brief VAR scare after Tzolis went down in the box.

Sørloth then extinguished any lingering doubt. He grabbed his second of the night by finishing off a slick move involving substitutes Ademola Lookman and Antoine Griezmann, capitalising once again on hesitant defending.

The Norwegian completed his hat-trick late on, left unmarked from a corner to head home and emphatically seal Atlético’s passage to the Round of 16.

The result means nine of Brugge’s last 10 matches have featured at least three goals — a trend they would rather not have continued against such clinical opposition. Meanwhile, Atlético have now extended their unbeaten run in regulation time of Champions League knockout matches to 20 games (W13, D7).

Diego Simeone’s side will face either Liverpool FC or Tottenham Hotspur FC in the Round of 16, with the draw scheduled for Friday and the first legs set to take place in March.