Atlético Madrid booked their place in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 in style on Tuesday night, cruising to a 4–1 win over Club Brugge at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano to seal a 7–4 aggregate victory.
After a dramatic 3–3 draw in Belgium, Diego Simeone’s side came out ruthless at home, with Alexander Sørloth stealing the spotlight. The Norwegian striker was simply unstoppable, firing in a superb hat-trick to power Atlético past Brugge and underline his growing importance in the big moments.
The win sparked celebrations among the Atleti faithful, with fans quick to praise the team’s character and intensity. Kay wrote,
“You guys have done well tonight, on to the Round of 16 👏,”
capturing the mood around the stadium and online as Atlético secured another European knockout run.
Ademola Lookman’s influence was also widely acknowledged once again. Since arriving from Atalanta in January, the Nigerian forward has injected fresh energy into Simeone’s attack. He found the net in the first leg and played a key role in the second-leg performance, with Football with me noting,
“Lookman has changed the match and Oblak is a wall for the team,”
highlighting both Lookman’s impact and Jan Oblak’s commanding presence at the back.
This European momentum follows Atlético’s stunning 4–0 demolition of Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg earlier this month, where Lookman marked his home debut with a goal and an assist. The January signing has quickly become a fan favourite, contributing goals and assists across La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey since arriving in Madrid.
Beyond the results, fans continue to express deep loyalty to Diego Simeone, whose long-term legacy at the club remains a constant talking point. One emotional message summed it up perfectly:
“The day Diego Simeone decides to leave, my calendar will be free. Only to watch his send-off.”
With Atlético now through to the Round of 16 and set to face either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur, confidence is building fast. As softfootball and other outlets have noted, the “Lookman effect” has revitalised Atlético’s season — and with Sørloth in lethal form, Simeone’s men are starting to look like serious contenders on the European stage once again.
